The Sword Emperor Pavilion has quite a few Half-Emperor experts, and I also need to rescue people. I'll infiltrate first to get a lay of the land.
This seemed like the most prudent plan to Ye Yunfei.
It looks like the headquarters of this Sword Emperor Pavilion is protected by many sophisticated Sword Formations," Hun Lao inquired. "Are you planning to crack them one by one and slip inside?
No need," Ye Yunfei chuckled. "I'll just capture some slaves.
Ah yes, I almost forgot you have that secret Soul Power technique to control others." Hun Lao suddenly remembered.
Ye Yunfei quickly spotted over a dozen patrol teams moving back and forth near the Sword Emperor Pavilion headquarters. He fixed his gaze on one particular team.
As that patrol team passed through a remote valley, a black long blade suddenly materialized. It unleashed rolling plumes of thick, black mist accompanied by swarms of dark black runes that descended on the Sword Emperor Pavilion patrol members like schools of deep-sea fish, utterly engulfing them.
In an instant, the entire valley was sealed off!
The black blade was precisely the Netherworld Yin Blade. Ye Yunfei had activated it to perform the Sealing Art of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths!
With a mere thought, Ye Yunfei teleported the entire patrol team into the Phantom Tower.
He then summoned the Netherworld Yin Blade back to his hand, and the blade promptly sucked back all the black mist and black runes in the valley, restoring it to its previous scenery.
Following this, Ye Yunfei entered the Phantom Tower and vanished.
Inside the Phantom Tower, Ye Yunfei acted decisively. He first completely immobilized every member of the Sword Emperor Pavilion patrol team, then began subduing them using the Puppet Soul Threads secret art.
The strongest member of this patrol team was only at the intermediate stage of the World Fusion Realm. To Ye Yunfei, they were nothing more than ants.
Moments later, Ye Yunfei had successfully converted the entire patrol team into slaves.
He then teleported the team out of the Phantom Tower, returning them to the previous valley.
From the moment Ye Yunfei made his move, sealed the patrol team, and teleported them into the Phantom Tower, to subduing them and then teleporting them back out—while the process was detailed, it was executed with astonishing speed, all taking place in the blink of an eye.
Since the valley was roughly ten miles from the Sword Emperor Pavilion headquarters, it was impossible for their experts to constantly monitor every patrol team. Thus, Ye Yunfei's operation was an unqualified success.
Next, Ye Yunfei placed the Phantom Tower onto the body of one of the newly enslaved patrol members.
Approximately half a day later, this patrol team's shift ended, and they returned to the headquarters.
Finally inside," Ye Yunfei thought to himself.
He had to admit that the Sword Emperor Pavilion, as one of the top-ranked powers on the Feixian Continent, possessed a truly formidable foundation. The headquarters sprawled across layer upon layer of mountainous terrain, presenting a grand, majestic scene. Countless magnificent structures nestled amongst the peaks. Spiritual Qi was so rich it condensed into swirling mists that drifted between the mountains like multicolored ribbons, giving off the flavor of an immortal's blessed land.
Above the headquarters, dazzling sword radiance undulated. Hidden within it seemed to be traces of supreme Sword Qi, sword light, swordplay forms, and sword intent—all brilliant, awe-inspiring, and undeniably imposing.
A vast number of disciples crisscrossed the grounds, each radiating sharp sword light and fierce auras.
Where is your master?" Ye Yunfei appeared before an elder inside the Phantom Tower and asked.
This elder was none other than the Head of the Sword Emperor Pavilion's Tianxiong Domain branch!
My master oversees the Library at the Sword Emperor Pavilion's headquarters," the Branch Head replied. "He's usually there.
Thus, Ye Yunfei ordered one of the newly enslaved patrol members to proceed towards the Library.
The Library was a key facility within the Sword Emperor Pavilion, consisting of five floors. Its classification and importance increased with each ascending level.
Releasing his Soul Power, Ye Yunfei swiftly located the Branch Head's master.
It was a black-robed elder seated cross-legged on the fifth floor—the top floor of the Library.
Under normal circumstances, only high-ranking members of the Sword Emperor Pavilion have the authority to access the fifth floor of the Library," the Branch Head informed Ye Yunfei.
Then how do I get up there?" Ye Yunfei asked.
I have a token," the Branch Head said, retrieving and handing a token to Ye Yunfei. "Carry this token, and you can ascend directly to the fifth floor without being stopped.
However, once you meet my master, he won't recognize you and will likely attack immediately.
What is your master's strength level?" Ye Yunfei asked again.
Complete stage Heavenly Boundary Realm," the Branch Head answered.
Good." Ye Yunfei nodded.
He then handed the token to his slave, instructing him to carry it into the Library and proceed directly to the fifth floor.
Each floor of the Library had disciple guards, but upon seeing the token, they did not stop Ye Yunfei's slave. Possessing this token signified direct authorization from a high-ranking Sword Emperor Pavilion member, granting access to the fifth floor!
Finally, Ye Yunfei's slave, carrying the token, passed unimpeded and arrived at the Library's fifth floor.
The fifth floor was completely empty!
Normally, only high-ranking Sword Emperor Pavilion members could access this floor. Currently, however, the Pavilion's leadership was fully occupied with preparations, anticipating Ye Yunfei's arrival. They had no time to visit the Library. Even during ordinary times, those high-ranking individuals seldom came here unless specifically looking up some material.
That room is the chamber where my master usually secludes himself for rest and cultivation," the Branch Head informed Ye Yunfei.
Naturally, the Branch Head understood that Ye Yunfei intended to deal with his master. However, he had already been captured by Ye Yunfei, becoming a prisoner and enduring torment from poison pills until he was thoroughly afraid.
Simultaneously, deep within his heart, a faint hope lingered: he wished for Ye Yunfei to confront his master, only to be overwhelmingly crushed, thereby freeing him.
After all, his master was a Complete Stage Heavenly Boundary Realm expert. He believed Ye Yunfei, powerful though he might be, was no match for his master.
While confined within the Phantom Tower, the Branch Head had his sensory capabilities sealed by Ye Yunfei, cutting off all perception of the outside world. Therefore, he was utterly ignorant of Ye Yunfei's true power.
Excellent." Following commands, Ye Yunfei's slave walked toward that room. Soon, he arrived before it. At that moment, Ye Yunfei emerged from the Phantom Tower, holding the token.
This damnable brat really did go after my master! Hmph! He's practically seeking death! I hope my master swats him dead with a single palm and rescues me!" The Branch Head felt a twinge of excitement within.
Ye Yunfei had now restored the Branch Head's ability to perceive the outside world.
Who's there?!" A voice came from inside the room at that moment.
Elder Zhou, I bring a report from the Tianxiong Domain!" Ye Yunfei had his slave speak.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunfei himself shifted his form into the appearance of an ordinary Sword Emperor Pavilion disciple and deliberately conjured wisps of Sword Qi to swirl around his body.
A report from the Tianxiong Domain! Is it related to the Sword Emperor Pavilion branch there?" The voice from inside questioned urgently.
Ever since the incident at the Tianxiong Domain branch, this elder had been sending people to investigate the whereabouts of his disciple. The Tianxiong Domain branch head was his most valued disciple. After the branch's destruction, his disciple had seemingly vanished—no body, no trace.
Yes," Ye Yunfei's slave replied.
Very well, enter." The voice from inside permitted.