"There are only five of us left. Should we continue our operation?
Maybe we should return, request reinforcements to bring our numbers back up to eight, and then act.
Moreover, we've already been targeted by the Dark Faction. Danger could strike at any moment."
Zhou Ye voiced his opinion.
"Before we set out, Elder Liu cautioned me that our mission was destined to be fraught with peril. But he said that even if we were reduced to the last person standing, we must persevere.
Also, I once heard Elder Liu mention that our Light Faction isn't exactly overflowing with manpower."
Yan Xiaoquan glanced at Zhou Ye as she spoke slowly.
Hearing Yan Xiaoquan's words, Zhou Ye fell silent.
Wu Tianyu and Wu Wang also said nothing further.
They knew Yan Xiaoquan was on good terms with Elder Liu, so what she said was most likely true.
"If that's the case, then even with only five of us, we must continue," Wu Wang said after a moment of silence. "We are all members of the Light Faction, burdened with heavy responsibilities. We cannot retreat in the face of difficulty."
Zhou Ye and Wu Tianyu didn't speak, merely nodding their heads in agreement.
"So, where exactly are we supposed to look for those missing ancient seniors?"
Ye Yunfei couldn't help but ask from the side.
From Ye Yunfei's perspective, having two more people or two fewer didn't seem to make much difference. With his current combat power, once a fight broke out, it seemed Yan Xiaoquan and the others wouldn't be of much help.
"First, we're going to search some ancient battlefields!" Yan Xiaoquan answered.
"Ancient battlefields?" Ye Yunfei was taken aback.
"Yes.
During the last world-destroying war, many senior experts of our Light Faction disappeared on those battlefields. Those seniors may have perished there, or they might still be alive. Or perhaps, even though they fell, fragments of their souls remain.
But regardless of whether those ancient seniors are alive or dead, we must return to those old battlefields to have any hope of finding traces of them."
Yan Xiaoquan explained.
"That makes sense. I understand," Ye Yunfei said with a look of comprehension.
"Before we departed, Elder Liu assigned missions to each team, specifying several ancient battlefields. Our team was assigned two.
Next, we will proceed to the first ancient battlefield!"
Yan Xiaoquan continued.
"You're the team leader. We'll just follow your lead," Wu Wang said.
"So she's the leader of our team." Ye Yunfei was slightly surprised and glanced at Yan Xiaoquan.
"Alright. Let's set out immediately," Yan Xiaoquan said.
"Wait.
Since we're in the Xianling Realm, I'd like to take care of a personal matter first.
It won't take much time."
Ye Yunfei spoke up.
"Brother Ye, what personal matter?" Wu Wang asked.
"To fulfill a promise." Ye Yunfei replied.
Years ago, before Ye Yunfei was preparing to leave the Hongmeng Continent for the Feixian Continent, he had entered an ancient battlefield near the Hongmeng Continent in search of the ancestor of the Hongmeng Continent's demon race.
In that ancient battlefield, Ye Yunfei encountered a middle-aged man who claimed to be the sect master of the Tianyi Sect from the Xianling Continent.
That middle-aged man told Ye Yunfei that his death in that battlefield wasn't caused by an enemy but by Luo Qiantao, the vice-leader of the Tianyi Sect whom he had considered a sworn brother.
Before the sect master died, Luo Qiantao even boastfully told him that he would immediately withdraw from the battlefield, return to take over the position of sect master, and thus gain control of the Tianyi Sect.
What the Tianyi Sect master couldn't let go of most was his daughter, Bei Jiajia. He feared Luo Qiantao would harm her, so he entrusted Ye Yunfei with taking a message to the Xianling Continent, telling her the truth and urging her to stay away from Luo Qiantao.
As payment, that Tianyi Sect master also gifted a spatial ring to Ye Yunfei.
That spatial ring contained a large number of treasures that were extremely precious to Ye Yunfei at the time.
The so-called Xianling Continent was actually the Xianling Realm.
Ye Yunfei had never fulfilled that Tianyi Sect master's request.
Now that he had come to the Xianling Realm and heard Yan Xiaoquan mention ancient battlefields, he recalled the sect master's entrustment.
Truthfully, Ye Yunfei had been to the Xianling Realm before and wiped out the Heavenly God Palace.
However, back then, Ye Yunfei had made too many enemies and was busy settling his own vendettas. He hadn't gone directly to the Tianyi Sect to find Bei Jiajia because, if his enemies learned of his connection to her, it might implicate her.
Even this time, Ye Yunfei didn't intend to see Bei Jiajia with his true appearance.
Because now, Ye Yunfei had even more enemies, and they were far more powerful.
"Here's the plan. Find a place and wait for me. I'll handle this myself," Ye Yunfei said.
"Alright. We'll wait for you in the Chaotic Void near the Xianling Realm. Once you're done with your business, just contact us using the token," Yan Xiaoquan nodded in agreement.
"Fine." Ye Yunfei nodded, then turned and took a single step, vanishing instantly.
"His strength seems quite formidable," Wu Tianyu commented, looking in the direction where Ye Yunfei disappeared.
"Brother Ye is far stronger than you can imagine," Wu Wang immediately responded.
Having been with Ye Yunfei during this period, Wu Wang had witnessed his terrifying combat prowess and was utterly impressed.
"This should be the Tianyi Sect headquarters."
By now, Ye Yunfei had arrived amidst a range of mountains brimming with spiritual energy on the Xianling Continent. The mountain range was dotted with numerous buildings, many formations were arranged throughout, and a large number of martial artists were active.
"I wonder how effective this mask is."
Ye Yunfei took out a mask and muttered to himself.
Not long ago, in the main plaza of the Heavenly God Palace headquarters, two Dark Faction members disguised as Zhou Ye and Wu Tianyu had nearly fooled Ye Yunfei.
After Ye Yunfei slew those two Dark Faction members, he obtained two masks.
The mask in Ye Yunfei's hand now was one of them.
Ye Yunfei put the mask on his face.
Immediately, Ye Yunfei noticed the mask emanating an eerie aura that tightly concealed his own energy signature.
"This mask's effect is truly excellent!" Hun Lao couldn't help but praise.
"With this mask combined with the Shadow Veil Secret Technique, even a True Immortal expert might not immediately recognize me," Ye Yunfei chuckled.
He then activated the Shadow Veil Secret Technique while simultaneously altering his appearance, transforming into an unfamiliar middle-aged man.
Next, Ye Yunfei released his Soul Power energy, beginning to sweep his perception down towards the Tianyi Sect headquarters below in search of Bei Jiajia.
Ye Yunfei's Soul Power energy was immensely powerful. In an instant, it enveloped the entire Tianyi Sect headquarters, scanning inch by inch.
A short while later, he finally located Bei Jiajia's figure.
She was deep within the headquarters, inside a secluded cultivation chamber.
"It seems she's been in seclusion for a very long time, for many years without leaving that chamber."
With his incredibly powerful perception, coupled with his high mastery of time and space, Ye Yunfei could easily sense that Bei Jiajia had been in closed-door cultivation within that chamber for an extremely long period.
Then, Ye Yunfei began searching for Luo Qiantao.
The Tianyi Sect master had imprinted Luo Qiantao's energy signature onto Ye Yunfei.
Soon after, Ye Yunfei found Luo Qiantao as well.
Luo Qiantao was currently inside a resplendent palace, gathered with a group of people, seemingly discussing something.
"Alright, let's resolve this matter quickly."
Ye Yunfei directly revealed himself and descended towards the Tianyi Sect headquarters below.
Rumble…
Just as Ye Yunfei was about to land at the Tianyi Sect headquarters, a layer of formation light curtain materialized, blocking his path.
"Trouble! It seems an outsider is attempting to trespass into our Tianyi Sect headquarters, triggering the grand protective formation!"
At that moment, an elder within the Tianyi Sect headquarters who specialized in guarding the grand protective formation detected the formation's reaction and immediately sent sound transmissions to the sect's high-level members, including Sect Master Luo Qiantao.
"Who is so bold as to dare trespass into our Tianyi Sect headquarters?"
Upon receiving the transmissions, Luo Qiantao and the other high-level members were both shocked and furious.
The Tianyi Sect was originally one of the top-tier major powers within the Xianling Realm, its overall strength not much inferior to the former Heavenly God Palace.
After the Heavenly God Palace was destroyed, within the Xianling Realm, the Tianyi Sect was almost the most powerful force!
Meanwhile, Ye Yunfei paused briefly before the formation light curtain, released his Soul Power energy, and in less than two breaths, he had thoroughly analyzed the principles of the Tianyi Sect's grand protective formation. He then took a step forward, passing through it without any hindrance.
After traversing the formation light curtain, Ye Yunfei walked with his hands clasped behind his back, soon arriving before a secluded cultivation chamber deep within the Tianyi Sect headquarters.
Bei Jiajia was inside this chamber, cultivating in seclusion.
"Who is that guy?
I saw him pass through the grand protective formation with my own eyes and head deeper into headquarters!
Quick, report to the Sect Master and the elders!"
At that moment, some individuals had already spotted Ye Yunfei and began shouting.
Of course, this was Ye Yunfei's intention. Otherwise, with Ye Yunfei's movement speed, these ordinary Tianyi Sect members would have been unable to detect his figure.
"Miss Bei, please come out for a meeting.
I have news regarding your father."
Ye Yunfei sized up the cultivation chamber before him, then spoke.
His voice penetrated the chamber door and multiple layers of formations, directly transmitting into the chamber and sounding in Bei Jiajia's ears.
Inside the chamber, a tall and beautiful woman was sitting cross-legged, completely immersed in a meditative state. However, upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words, her body trembled violently. She opened her eyes, revealing an incredulous expression.
This woman was indeed Bei Jiajia.
"Who is he?
My father perished countless years ago. How could he possibly have news of him?"
Unable to remain calm, Bei Jiajia immediately stood up.
Then, her figure blurred as she dashed out, arriving before Ye Yunfei. She stared at him, scrutinizing him up and down.
"Who are you?
You said you had news of my father?
Don't deceive me, or you will not be spared."
Bei Jiajia asked, her sharp gaze fixed on Ye Yunfei.
Given that her father had fallen so many years ago, and now someone suddenly showed up claiming to have news, it was no wonder she was skeptical.
"Miss Bei, I truly have news regarding your father. I will not deceive you."
Understanding Bei Jiajia's feelings, Ye Yunfei replied with a smile.
"Audacious fool, how dare you trespass into my Tianyi Sect headquarters!
Jiajia, don't believe anything this lunatic says. He breached the headquarters' grand protective formation to come here, clearly intending you harm!"
At that moment, a tall, sturdy middle-aged man arrived with a group of Tianyi Sect high-level members. The man shouted harshly.
This middle-aged man was Luo Qiantao, the current Sect Master of the Tianyi Sect!
Luo Qiantao was a Mid-level Heavenly Emperor. Having overheard the exchange between Ye Yunfei and Bei Jiajia, a sudden sense of foreboding arose within him. He intended to prevent them from continuing their conversation.
"This person managed to calmly penetrate our headquarters' grand protective formation and arrive here, indicating his strength is certainly not weak.
Move! Capture him first, and we can interrogate him at leisure!"
Luo Qiantao waved his hand and loudly commanded.
Immediately, a group of Luo Qiantao's trusted subordinates charged towards Ye Yunfei.
"Ants."
Ye Yunfei shook his head slightly. With a mere thought…
Rumble…
A powerful energy pressure erupted from Ye Yunfei's body. Like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, it directly blasted all the charging Tianyi Sect members away.
Since Ye Yunfei wore that mask and had activated the Shadow Veil Secret Technique, including Luo Qiantao, none of these Tianyi Sect members could perceive Ye Yunfei's true cultivation level.
Even after Ye Yunfei released his energy pressure, Luo Qiantao and the Tianyi Sect elders still couldn't accurately determine Ye Yunfei's true realm.
"So strong!"
Witnessing Ye Yunfei instantly repel his subordinates, Luo Qiantao's pupils contracted, and a wary expression appeared on his face.
"Just who are you!
Why have you come looking for me!"
Seeing Ye Yunfei display this feat, Bei Jiajia immediately became alert, retreating over a dozen steps to put distance between herself and Ye Yunfei.
"Miss Bei, I'll be straightforward. I came to find you at the behest of your father, to relay some matters.
Primarily concerning the true circumstances of your father's death back then and exposing the true nature of this fellow, Luo Qiantao."
Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
"This kid seems to know something!
Who is he?
How could he possibly know about what happened back then!"
Upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Luo Qiantao's face instantly paled drastically.
Back then on the battlefield, he launched a surprise attack from behind, killing the previous Tianyi Sect master. He then immediately withdrew from the battlefield, returned to announce the news of the sect master's death in battle, and smoothly assumed the position of sect master.
This was the greatest secret of his life, one he had kept deeply buried in the depths of his heart.
Until now, he still posed as the sworn brother of the previous sect master, frequently mentioning his fraternal bond with Bei Jinhao, the previous master, to the sect's elders to solidify their trust in him.
"The true circumstances of my father's death?
Didn't my father die in battle on the battlefield back then?
Sect Master Luo personally witnessed the entire process of my father's death in battle..."
Bei Jiajia spoke until here, her gaze shifting to Luo Qiantao. Suddenly, she noticed Luo Qiantao's expression seemed a bit off—flustered and tinged with panic and anger.
Bei Jiajia had always been an intelligent and keen individual. She immediately understood that Luo Qiantao must be hiding something from her!
At the same time, she recalled Ye Yunfei's earlier statement about exposing Luo Qiantao's true nature.
"Sect Master Luo, what is the meaning of this?
Exactly how did my father die?"
Bei Jiajia fixed her gaze on Luo Qiantao and demanded.
"Jiajia, you mustn't listen to this person's nonsense. Sect Master Bei truly perished on the battlefield back then. I saw it with my own eyes.
Although I don't know this individual's specific intentions for barging into our Tianyi Sect headquarters, he definitely means us harm!
Alright, elders, this person possesses formidable combat power. Let's attack together and capture him first. We can interrogate him later."
Luo Qiantao said to Bei Jiajia, then waved his hand and issued the command.
Rumble…
As soon as the words left his mouth, a powerful energy pressure erupted from Luo Qiantao's body, rolling majestically towards Ye Yunfei. He was preparing to personally attack Ye Yunfei, denying him any opportunity to speak further.
At that very moment.
Ye Yunfei casually waved his hand.
A figure materialized beside Ye Yunfei, solidifying from an ethereal state.
"Jiajia, it's me, your father."
This figure was none other than that Tianyi Sect master.
Back then, he had separated a faint trace of his soul imprint and entrusted it to Ye Yunfei. At the time, within that ancient battlefield, this Tianyi Sect master was already a remnant soul. Therefore, the soul imprint he separated was extremely weak, barely capable of manifestation.
Ye Yunfei was now employing an inherited secret technique of the Soul Race, utilizing his own formidable Soul Power energy to enhance the energy of this imprint, enabling it to manifest.
"Father! It really is you!"
The moment Bei Jiajia saw the figure beside Ye Yunfei, she was overjoyed. Of course she could recognize the aura of her father's soul body.
"It really does seem to be Sect Master Bei!"
Not only Bei Jiajia, but several other Tianyi Sect elders also immediately recognized the figure, their faces revealing shock.