"It's time to test the power of the Samsara Ghost race's Soul Arts."
After successfully cultivating the Soul Art imparted by the Samsara Ghost, Ye Yunfei immediately sent people to capture several True Gods. These True Gods were all from Sifang Tower, as Sifang Tower also had a branch stronghold in this Sansheng World Cluster.
"We pay our respects to this distinguished sir."
Sifang Tower was originally a subordinate force of the Guardian Faction. Upon receiving the command from this branch stronghold of the Guardian Faction, they dispatched four True Gods without delay, sending them straight before Ye Yunfei to respectfully pay their respects.
As they had been informed that this unfamiliar young man before them was a high-ranking figure of the Guardian Faction, their attitude towards Ye Yunfei was extremely deferential, immediately kneeling on both knees upon the ground.
Ye Yunfei's gaze was cold and indifferent, and he remained silent. He immediately activated the Soul Arts of the Samsara Ghost race. At once, mysterious runes composed of Soul Power energy and Soul Power Laws appeared within the soul seas of these four Sifang Tower True Gods.
"What's happening? Why do I suddenly feel so groggy? I really want to just sleep right here."
The True Gods suddenly felt their soul bodies becoming hazy, swaying unsteadily. Their eyelids grew heavy, their consciousness began to blur, and a powerful urge to sleep washed over them.
Of these four True Gods, two were Mid-Level True Gods and two were Elementary True Gods. In less than the time of a single breath, they had fallen under the influence of Ye Yunfei's Soul Art, sinking into a state of bewilderment and losing all ability to resist. They stood there motionless like four statues, their gazes dull and vacant.
Next, Ye Yunfei executed the Soul Purification Art. Moments later, he had purified the soul bodies of these four True Gods and imprinted them with his own Soul Power mark.
"This Soul Art is even more insidious than the Soul-Binding Art. It can cause the target to fall into a state of confusion without them realizing it. What's even more ingenious is that when using this Soul Art to attack an opponent, it is very difficult for the target to sense fluctuations of Soul Power energy, leaving them no time to react.
Whereas when you use the Soul-Binding Art, some enemies with strong Soul Power capabilities might detect the fluctuations of Soul Power energy and put up resistance."
Hun Lao, observing the effects of the Soul Art Ye Yunfei had just used, immediately offered his commentary.
"Indeed! Using the Soul Arts of the Samsara Ghost race is quite stealthy. There are no obvious fluctuations of Soul Power energy. The enemy may only realize something is amiss once they've already been affected, but by then, it's too late to resist. This Soul Art is indeed more sinister and harder to guard against than the Soul-Binding Art."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
By this time, the four Sifang Tower True Gods before him had become Ye Yunfei's clones. Ye Yunfei had these four clones first return to Sifang Tower's branch stronghold within the Sansheng World Cluster, while he himself spent some time making arrangements at the Guardian Faction's branch stronghold before quietly heading towards Sifang Tower's outpost.
Not long after, Ye Yunfei stealthily entered Sifang Tower's branch stronghold in the Sansheng World Cluster.
Now, Ye Yunfei's identity was that of a high-ranking figure of the Guardian Faction, and he was personally escorted by two Perfect True Gods from the Guardian Faction. Therefore, all the upper echelons of this Sifang Tower branch stronghold mobilized, coming out personally to welcome him, making for an impressive display.
After entering Sifang Tower's stronghold, Ye Yunfei employed the same tactic. He issued orders for the True Gods of Sifang Tower to come see him one by one. Then, Ye Yunfei turned all these Sifang Tower True Gods into his clones.
"The Autumn Wind Group also has a secret branch stronghold in this Sansheng World Cluster. Let's take it as well."
After gaining control of Sifang Tower's branch stronghold, Ye Yunfei led the forces of the Guardian Faction and Sifang Tower into a remote world within the Sansheng World Cluster. Hidden within this world was a secret branch stronghold of the Autumn Wind Group.
Previously, after devouring the soul bodies of many Autumn Wind Group experts and absorbing their memories, Ye Yunfei had learned of the existence of this Autumn Wind Group outpost.
Without wasting words, Ye Yunfei led the Guardian Faction and Sifang Tower's forces in a direct assault on the Autumn Wind Group's branch stronghold. He then purified the soul bodies of all the True Gods within this stronghold, imprinted them with his Soul Power mark, and turned them into his clones.
In a mere few moments, Ye Yunfei had thoroughly taken control of this Autumn Wind Group stronghold.
"Master, this Soul Purification Art is truly formidable! No wonder the ancient Samsara Sect was such a prestigious superpower. Just relying on this Soul Purification Art alone would have been enough to dominate the world!"
Seeing Ye Yunfei subdue an increasing number of clones, Hu Miao couldn't help but say excitedly.
"This Soul Purification Art is indeed incredibly domineering. However, according to my memories, in ancient times, the Samsara Sect presided over samsara, and its primary mission was to maintain the cycle of reincarnation in the world. As a major force upholding worldly order, it couldn't easily disrupt the various orders of the world, otherwise it would face punishment."
Hun Lao spoke up after hearing Hu Miao's words.
"Indeed. If this Soul Purification Art fell into the hands of those with malicious intent, it would absolutely be an evil Soul Art that disrupts the order of the world.
This Art, much like the Soul Race's Soul Force Stellar Technique, would cause immense damage to worldly order if it were to spread widely."
Ye Yunfei nodded in agreement.
"But my master isn't a bad person. So far, master has only used the Soul Force Stellar Technique and the Soul Purification Art against villains. So as long as these two Arts are in the hands of a good person like my master, there's no need to worry."
After hearing Hun Lao's words, Hu Miao pouted and retorted.
"However, the distinction between good and bad people in this world is sometimes difficult to discern. Everyone merely stands on their own side, viewing matters of right and wrong and the goodness of people from their own perspectives; there is no absolute standard.
Two Soul Arts with such destructive potential as these must not be allowed to spread widely throughout the world, lest they bring about severe consequences."
Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
"True. It's possible that the Soul Race was punished precisely because they mastered the forbidden Soul Force Stellar Technique, causing them to become scarce and a very rare race."
Hun Lao nodded as he spoke.
"Hun Lao, have you learned something about the Soul Race?"
Hearing Hun Lao's words, a thought stirred in Ye Yunfei's mind, and he asked curiously.
"Yes, in my racial memories, I saw some recollections related to the Soul Race.
In ancient times, the Soul Race was punished due to committing numerous atrocities and wreaking havoc.
A large number of powerful Soul Race members were besieged and killed, while the remaining members fled and hid in special spaces. That's why we rarely encounter the Soul Race now. Otherwise, given the Soul Race's capabilities, they would have long since easily become the most formidable superpower in this world."
Hun Lao nodded and replied.
"So that's how it is. It seems that even though I've obtained the Soul Force Stellar Technique and the Soul Purification Art, I cannot use them indiscriminately in the future, or I too might incur punishment."
Ye Yunfei said.
"Yes, one must indeed be careful.
However, I believe there's no need for restraint when dealing with factions like the Guardian Faction and the Yin Corpse Hall, because these factions are the true disruptors of worldly order.
Take the Yin Corpse Hall, for example. How many worlds have they slaughtered to collect Corpse Origin? How many innocent lives have they claimed?
And the Guardian Faction is single-mindedly bent on dominating the world, brutally suppressing anyone who shows the slightest opposition. Against such factions, there is absolutely no need for politeness or any hesitation."
Hun Lao stated.
"Agreed. Therefore, using these two Soul Arts to deal with factions like the Guardian Faction and Yin Corpse Hall shouldn't bring about punishment."
Ye Yunfei nodded, agreeing with Hun Lao's view.
"Next, we should continue converting more True Gods from factions like the Guardian Faction, Yin Corpse Hall, and the Autumn Wind Group into your clones. I suggest we specifically target the branch strongholds of these major forces. Once we've taken control of those strongholds, all the wealth and resources within them will be ours to allocate.
Furthermore, you can later use these factions' branch strongholds to acquire even more wealth for you. You must understand that major forces like the Guardian Faction, the Autumn Wind Group, and the Yin Corpse Hall have operated in this Sixth Void for many years. The wealth they've accumulated and their means of generating resources are all quite impressive."
Jinjiao Longcan immediately suggested.
"Makes sense. Once I've taken control of a large number of these factions' branch strongholds, I can not only obtain the wealth they currently possess but also have those strongholds continue earning resources for me in the future. It's indeed a good method."
Ye Yunfei said with a smile.
In the following period, Ye Yunfei began moving secretly throughout the Sixth Void, repeatedly infiltrating the branch strongholds of major forces like the Guardian Faction, the Autumn Wind Group, and the Yin Corpse Hall. Using the Soul Purification Art, he purified the soul bodies of the True Gods within these strongholds, turning them into his clones.
As time passed, the number of branch strongholds under Ye Yunfei's control steadily increased, and the number of True God-level clones he acquired also grew.
"Now, as we travel through this Sixth Void, we can encounter your clones everywhere we go. With so many clones distributed among those major forces, it can be said that from now on, your eyes and ears will be everywhere in the Sixth Void. Not a single move made by those major forces will escape your notice."
Hun Lao said with a smile.
"Truly. Moreover, by controlling those branch strongholds, the wealth I can now command is quite considerable."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Alright, let's return to Profound Yellow Continent for a good rest.
Now that I've gained control of so many branch strongholds belonging to those major factions, I'll go back and make arrangements. Have those strongholds quietly transport the wealth they accumulate through their operations back to Profound Yellow Continent. That way, the Restorer Faction will gain massive amounts of cultivation resources."
Ye Yunfei said.
Then, Ye Yunfei returned to Profound Yellow Continent and had the upper echelons of the Restorer Faction dispatch scouts to make contact with the strongholds already under his control.
Upon learning that Ye Yunfei had already taken control of so many branch strongholds belonging to other forces, the Restorer Faction leaders were all utterly shocked and speechless.
Of course, Ye Yunfei did not tell them the means by which he had taken control of those major factions' strongholds.
The Soul Force Stellar Technique and the Soul Purification Art were two of Ye Yunfei's trump cards; he wouldn't reveal them even to his own people.
"Young Master Ye's methods are truly terrifying! He has actually secretly gained control of so many branch strongholds of other forces."
"I suspect it's most likely the Heart Sect backing Young Master Ye that has taken action.
The Heart Sect is one of the most ancient superpowers in the Chaotic Void Sea. Its profound foundations are beyond our imagination."
"Indeed. Given Young Master Ye's strength, combined with the backing of the Heart Sect, managing to control so many strongholds of other major forces isn't surprising."
...
In their excitement, the Restorer Faction leaders discussed secretly via sound transmission.
Soon, the Restorer Faction dispatched a large group of scouts, sending them separately to make contact with the strongholds already under Ye Yunfei's control. Not long after, those strongholds began using various channels to discreetly transport batches of wealth and resources to Profound Yellow Continent.
Thus, the Restorer Faction gained another large stockpile of cultivation resources.
"Young Master Ye, during this period, the overall strength of our Restorer Faction has improved further. It can be said that our faction's power has been continuously rising."
A progenitor of the Earth Demon race reported on various recent matters concerning the Restorer Faction to Ye Yunfei.
"Excellent! Send down my order: the most important task for our Restorer Faction in the coming period remains improving our strength. Have everyone continue striving, spending their time and energy on cultivation. The required cultivation resources will be allocated based on need."
Ye Yunfei nodded and issued the command.
Following this, Ye Yunfei also took out a large batch of medicinal pills and gave them to these core leaders of the Restorer Faction for distribution.
These pills had been refined by several of Ye Yunfei's clones during this period. Several of his clones had been incessantly concocting pills within the Phantom Shadow Pagoda, producing a staggering quantity.
After arranging matters for the Restorer Faction, Ye Yunfei entered his private cultivation chamber to begin closed-door cultivation.
During this time, Ye Yunfei had acquired many more cultivation resources because, having subjugated numerous clones, all the cultivation resources on their persons naturally became his.
Inside the Phantom Shadow Pagoda, Ye Yunfei took out a large amount of cultivation resources and let the nine Divine Beasts of the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel devour them.
"This Soul Broth and these Soul Stones are of excellent quality. It's time to further elevate my Soul Power level."
Ye Yunfei took out over a dozen jars of Soul Broth.
This Soul Broth had been painstakingly collected by that Samsara Ghost over a long period within the Samsara Passage. Of course, the original owners of this Soul Broth were the powerful experts of the ancient Samsara Sect.
After the ancient experts of the Samsara Sect vanished, that Samsara Ghost gradually collected all the various cultivation resources they had left behind and concentrated them in that small space. Little did he expect that most of it would end up in Ye Yunfei's hands.
Ye Yunfei spent the following period refining that Soul Broth and Soul Stones, along with a large batch of Soul Power energy treasures.
Back in that small space, Ye Yunfei had also obtained a spatial ring containing an even greater quantity of Soul Stones and many other Soul Power-type treasures.
Previously, to cultivate the Soul-Binding Art, Soul Purification Art, and the Samsara Ghost race's Soul Arts, he had already used up a portion of the Soul Stones and Soul Broth, but that was only a small fraction. Therefore, Ye Yunfei still possessed plenty of Soul Power energy treasures acquired from the Samsara Passage.
In the following period, Ye Yunfei focused wholeheartedly on cultivation. Besides cultivating the Nine Palaces Totem Wheel and Soul Power energy, he also simultaneously cultivated several other techniques and secret arts. He even used a few of his Soul Power planets to continue comprehending formations and geomancy arts.
Unbeknownst to him, Ye Yunfei spent over three years inside the Phantom Shadow Pagoda in closed-door cultivation.
"My current Soul Power energy level… I wonder if it could compare to those Elementary Heavenly Gods? The gap probably isn't too large anymore, right?"
One day three years later, Ye Yunfei suddenly murmured softly. As he spoke, dazzling, radiant circles of soul light bloomed from his head, illuminating a vast area of the surrounding space in brilliance.
"I feel that with your current Soul Power energy level, even if you encountered an Elementary Heavenly God, you could hold your own for a while."
Sensing the intensity of the Soul Power energy Ye Yunfei emitted, Hun Lao couldn't help but voice his opinion.
"However, for you currently, the most crucial thing is to elevate your cultivation realm. If you don't raise your realm soon, it will become the biggest obstacle hindering your further strength improvement."
Hun Lao said.
"Yes, I really do need to elevate my cultivation realm."
Ye Yunfei nodded upon hearing Hun Lao's words.
Ye Yunfei's current cultivation realm was Perfect Virtual God. After this period of cultivation, he felt he should be ready for a breakthrough. Therefore, Ye Yunfei next took out a large batch of energy crystals and began circulating the Nine Yang Ancient Scripture, wholeheartedly striving to make a breakthrough.