"This matter concerns the safety of the entire Sword Realm Continent. I cannot decide on my own; I must report it to my sect's higher-ups and let them make the decision."
After pondering for a moment, Ye Yunfei spoke.
"Very well.
Young man, you are a rather cautious individual.
Report the matter to your sect's superiors now. I believe they will make the correct choice."
Upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words, that voice fell silent for a moment before agreeing with a nod.
He understood that this matter indeed involved the safety of the entire Sword Realm Continent. After all, when he was invited by the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm back then to deploy the Earth Formation, he had essentially become an accomplice to these two major powers. If the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm hadn't acted against him later, he would still be allied with them to this day. Expecting Ye Yunfei to trust him immediately was unlikely.
Ye Yunfei immediately sent a sound transmission to Sword Elder, informing him of the situation.
Receiving the transmission, Sword Elder was greatly shocked and immediately came to Ye Yunfei's side.
"This is my honored ancestor's disciple. You can speak with him."
Ye Yunfei said.
Then, Ye Yunfei stomped his foot, activating his Geomancy Technique to connect with earth energy, instantly forming an Earth Formation capable of conveying sound transmission. This way, not only Ye Yunfei could hear what that voice said, but Sword Elder could as well.
"Young man, you possess remarkable talent in the Geomancy Technique."
Seeing Ye Yunfei deploy this Earth Formation with clean, decisive movements, forming the formation instantly, the owner of that voice couldn't help but praise.
Then, this voice began communicating with Sword Elder, repeating the content he had just conveyed to Ye Yunfei, and stating his intention to cooperate with the Tianjian Sect to deal with the Divine Sword Sect.
"How can I know if what you say is true or false?
Furthermore, if we rescue you later and you turn against us, denying your words and attacking us instead, we may not be able to handle you."
After listening, Sword Elder thought for a moment and spoke indifferently.
"Elder Jian, you were once the most famous top-tier sword cultivator on the Sword Realm Continent, well-informed and widely-traveled. I believe you must have heard of someone like me, Shoudi Laoren. Back in the days within the Chaotic Void Sea, I was a notable figure who commanded respect; I wouldn't go back on my word."
That voice said.
"So you are Shoudi Laoren!"
Hearing this, Sword Elder was somewhat surprised. Because back in the Chaotic Void Sea, Shoudi Laoren was indeed a rather famous figure, hailed as one of the world's most exceptional Divine Geomancers. It could be said that Shoudi Laoren and Sword Elder were from the same era, so Sword Elder had certainly heard of him.
"Correct, I am Shoudi Laoren.
In those days, traveling through the Chaotic Void Sea, wherever I went, I was honored as a distinguished guest. Not exactly basking in endless glory, but at the very least, I had built a decent reputation. How laughable that I have fallen to such a state today."
Shoudi Laoren sighed.
"You were indeed quite renowned in the Chaotic Void Sea back then.
However, what difference does it make that you are Shoudi Laoren?
In the past, the Divine Sword Sect was also one of the three great sword sects on the Sword Realm Continent, admired by all. Yet look at them now – didn't they still become turncoats?
So, how can I trust you?"
Sword Elder spoke again.
"That's also true."
After hearing Sword Elder's words, Shoudi Laoren fell silent for a moment, then whispered.
"Elder Jian, what must I do to make you trust me, so that you will agree to rescue me?"
Shoudi Laoren asked.
"Alright then. If you agree to let me plant a Sword Path Blood Oath on you, I will consent to cooperate, strive to rescue you, and together, deal with the Divine Sword Sect, and of course, the Blade Realm as well."
Sword Elder thought for a moment before speaking.
"Rest assured, as long as you are sincere in cooperating with us, harbor no disloyal thoughts, and do not betray us, once the matters are settled, I will definitely remove the Sword Path Blood Oath for you. I believe my reputation, the title 'Sword Elder,' still carries some credibility on this Sword Realm Continent.
Naturally, as I said before, regardless of my name or reputation in ancient times, they may not necessarily hold weight now.
Alright, I've said my piece. The choice is yours."
Sword Elder finished speaking and then remained silent.
Standing beside Sword Elder, Ye Yunfei also said no more.
For a while, both sides fell into silence.
Deep within the heart of the Sword Realm Continent, inside an underground palace, Shoudi Laoren sat cross-legged before a thick pillar. Over a dozen jet-black chains pierced through both his Soul Body and physical body.
"In my days, traveling through the Chaotic Void Sea, wherever I, Shoudi Laoren, went, I was the center of attention. Yet, because I trusted the Blade Realm and the Divine Sword Sect, I have ended up in such a state, imprisoned here for years without seeing the light of day."
Recalling his tribulations over these years, Shoudi Laoren's face was filled with pain, remorse, and immense hatred.
"So be it. Compared to the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm, Elder Jian's words are more credible. After all, all these years he has been safeguarding the Sword Realm, genuinely considering the welfare of the entire Sword Realm Continent. Rather than continuing to stay here, enduring the humiliation from the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm, I might as well take a gamble. Even if I ultimately end up ruined by the Tianjian Sect, I'll accept it.
No matter what, the Tianjian Sect is currently at daggers drawn with the Divine Sword Sect. As long as I cooperate with the Tianjian Sect, they will surely take action against the Divine Sword Sect, which can cause trouble for them. At the very least, it might alleviate some of the hatred in my heart."
After pondering, Shoudi Laoren gritted his teeth and made a decision.
He knew that if he did not cooperate with Sword Elder, once the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm successfully broke through that barrier and obtained what they wanted, he would become worthless. By then, the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm would certainly not leave him any path of survival. But if he chose to cooperate with Sword Elder, there might still be a sliver of hope.
"Alright then.
Elder Jian, I agree to have the Sword Path Blood Oath planted. Let us cooperate to deal with the Divine Sword Sect."
A moment later, Shoudi Laoren communicated with Sword Elder through the Earth Formation.
"Very well, it's settled then. We shall cooperate."
Hearing Shoudi Laoren's words, Sword Elder revealed a smile.
He knew Shoudi Laoren would accept his conditions. After suffering torment from the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm for so many long years, the hatred in his heart was immeasurable. As long as there was a chance to confront the Divine Sword Sect, he would not give it up.
"Good. I will now form the Sword Path Blood Oath. You must let it be implanted into your Soul Body."
Sword Elder sat cross-legged and spoke.
Then, Sword Elder performed a secret art and began condensing the Sword Path Blood Oath.
The Sword Path Blood Oath was a secret technique famously practiced by the Heaven Sword Sect since ancient times. Once planted on a living being, their Soul Body would be controlled, and their life would effectively be in the hands of the caster. Because once the Sword Path Blood Oath was detonated, the soul body would be shattered into flying ash on the spot.
Shortly after, a blood-red small sword appeared between Sword Elder's palms, emanating an eerie aura.
"Go!"
With a gentle push from his palms, Sword Elder sent the small crimson sword transforming into a crimson streak that plunged into the ground and vanished.
Shoudi Laoren immediately sensed the presence of this small crimson sword and sighed softly.
Then, utilizing the Earth Formation within the subterranean world, he guided this blood-red small sword before him, and it directly entered his Soul Body.
Upon entering Shoudi Laoren's Soul Body, the small crimson sword instantly spawned tens of thousands of thin crimson rootlets that burrowed deep into the essence of his Soul Body.
"Now you should believe me, right?"
Shoudi Laoren spoke.
"Good. From now on, we are in cooperation."
By this time, Sword Elder could already perceive the Sword Path Blood Oath he had condensed entering Shoudi Laoren's Soul Body. Henceforth, if Shoudi Laoren showed any disloyal intent, Sword Elder, with just a thought, could make him vanish into oblivion.
"Rest assured, I only implanted the Sword Path Blood Oath on you as a precautionary measure. After all, our Sword Realm and this Tianjian Sect have experienced too much over the years, and we can no longer readily trust just anyone.
As long as you cooperate sincerely, once everything is over, I will remove it for you."
Sword Elder nodded as he replied.
"Elder Jian, I have long heard of your reputation.
Compared to the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm, I naturally trust you more.
Rest assured, as long as we cooperate, we can certainly deal with the Divine Sword Sect.
The Earth Formation I deployed in the subterranean world of the Sword Realm Continent back then could be called the pinnacle of my life's work. To construct this Earth Formation, the two major powers, the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm, invested vast amounts of resources. Even now, the full power of this formation has yet to be unleashed.
Had the Divine Sword Sect and the Blade Realm not betrayed their trust and suddenly attacked me, imprisoning me here, the formation I set up would have already helped them break through that barrier by now.
But starting now, that formation will no longer be their tool and will soon become their nightmare."
Hearing Sword Elder's words, Shoudi Laoren felt somewhat relieved. After all, Sword Elder enjoyed high prestige and a good reputation on the Sword Realm Continent in the past and was known to keep his word.
"Young man, next, I will teach you how to control this Earth Formation.
However, before you can truly master its control, I still need to pass on to you some techniques and secret arts related to Geomancy Technique to elevate your skill in it. Otherwise, with your current level of mastery in the Geomancy Technique, it is still somewhat insufficient."
Shoudi Laoren said to Ye Yunfei.
"Then I must trouble you, Senior."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunfei quickly responded.
This Shoudi Laoren was already a renowned Divine Geomancer in the Chaotic Void Sea in ancient times. If he could help enhance his Geomancy Technique skill, it was indeed something Ye Yunfei had been hoping for.
"Good. Let us begin now."
Shoudi Laoren spoke impatiently.
Seeing hope of breaking free, he grew extremely eager. He did not wish to spend another day in this state as a prisoner.
From then on, Ye Yunfei began cultivating the Geomancy Technique under the guidance of this Shoudi Laoren.
Ye Yunfei was already quite accomplished in the Geomancy Technique. Now, receiving guidance from Shoudi Laoren, a Divine Geomancer, his progress was remarkably fast.
Additionally, Ye Yunfei possessed two Soul Bodies, sixty Soul Power stars, and had divine eyes assisting him. Whatever Shoudi Laoren explained, Ye Yunfei could swiftly grasp thoroughly.
"Young man, your talent truly is exceptional. I would say you are the most gifted young genius in the Geomancy Technique I have ever seen in my life."
Not long after, Shoudi Laoren also discovered Ye Yunfei's terrifying comprehension abilities. Techniques he considered somewhat challenging, and originally thought Ye Yunfei would need effort to comprehend and master, were fully understood by Ye Yunfei in a short time and smoothly practiced to perfection.