A moment later.
Da Di Daozhang led Ye Yunfei to the front of a yellow palace.
"The entrance to the Earth Pagoda is inside here. Although it's called a pagoda, it's actually an underground palace divided into nine levels. From top to bottom, each level possesses earth-attribute energy of corresponding intensity," Da Di Daozhang explained.
"For the nine levels of the Earth Pagoda, the deeper you go downwards, the more terrifying the pressure from the energy present becomes. Generally speaking, Outer Sect disciples can cultivate on the first and second levels. Inner Sect disciples can cultivate on the third and fourth levels. Core Disciples can cultivate on the fifth level. As for below the sixth level, only high-ranking members of the sect dare venture that deep. Ordinary disciples who recklessly charge down would undoubtedly die. However, although there are dangers within the Earth Pagoda, cultivating earth-attribute cultivation techniques inside is extremely effective," Da Di Daozhang said.
"So that's how it is. Let's go in and take a look," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Stepping into the first level of the Earth Pagoda, Ye Yunfei indeed sensed an energy pressure formed by earth-attribute energy. This pressure was transmitted upwards from deep within the Earth Pagoda. Many disciples were sitting cross-legged on the first level, quietly cultivating with their eyes closed. The disciples cultivating on the first level were relatively weak, mostly at the Sage Realm or Condensed Truth Realm.
"Let's go. With our strength, we can head directly to the fifth level," Da Di Daozhang said.
At that moment, within the headquarters of the Houtu Sect.
On the summit of a towering mountain peak stood a grand hall.
Inside the hall, the Sect Leader of the Houtu Sect sat on a high seat. Several high-ranking sect members sat on both sides. Da Di Daozhang's master, Yan Tianzong, was also present.
"Sect Leader, by directly making Su Ye a Holy Son, many disciples within the sect will surely be discontent. Especially those Core Disciples will definitely be unwilling. Furthermore, Tao Wenzhi and his disciple will certainly spare no effort in dealing with Su Ye. Therefore, Su Ye's situation will become very dangerous from now on. He might even face life-threatening danger. Su Ye is a once-in-a-century genius. By placing him in such a perilous situation, might we be harming him?" Yan Tianzong suddenly spoke.
"I know. Making him a Holy Son directly will indeed bring him a lot of trouble. But I had no other choice. You've seen for yourself, these past days, Tao Wenzhi, his disciple, and the faction they've gathered have grown increasingly rampant, completely disregarding my authority as Sect Leader. I estimate it won't be long before they attempt a power grab, forcing me to relinquish my position. Those two masters and disciples have the backing of the Ouyang Family. Once they succeed in seizing power, our Houtu Sect will from then on thoroughly become a subsidiary force of the Ouyang Family. Therefore, I must quickly elevate a Holy Son capable of contending with Ouyang Feng. That way, I'll have a proper reason to prevent Ouyang Feng from becoming the next Sect Leader," the Sect Leader explained.
"However, given Tao Wenzhi's character, he will certainly employ every possible means to kill Su Ye," Yan Tianzong said.
"Su Ye is no simple individual. I have been observing him secretly since he first set foot in the Houtu Sect. He remained unflustered and calm even when facing Tao Wenzhi. Tao Wenzhi is a Major Core Formation Realm expert, yet Su Ye showed no fear at all. Moreover, being able to light all four segments of the Houtu Pillar directly indicates monstrously high talent! This young man is definitely not simple. Of course, we must also strive to protect him from the shadows. We'll let him become a sharp dagger for us against Tao Wenzhi and his disciple!" the Sect Leader said.
"Sect Leader, if Su Ye truly manages to suppress Ouyang Feng... will you let him become the next Sect Leader?" Yan Tianzong suddenly asked.
"We'll discuss that when the time comes," the Sect Leader said after a moment's thought.
"I hope he survives," Yan Tianzong sighed softly.
At that time, Ye Yunfei and Da Di Daozhang had already reached the fifth level of the Earth Pagoda.
Indeed, upon reaching the fifth level, Ye Yunfei felt that the pressure from the earth-attribute energy had grown much stronger. All those cultivating on this level were Core Disciples. The weakest among them were at the Ninth or Tenth Level of the Grotto-Heaven Realm! Their numbers were not large, only a few dozen.
As soon as Ye Yunfei and Da Di Daozhang entered, those Core Disciples opened their eyes one by one and turned their gazes towards the two.
"Du Fan!" The Core Disciples' pupils contracted slightly upon seeing Da Di Daozhang.
Most of these Core Disciples had entered the Houtu Sect during the same period as Da Di Daozhang and Ouyang Feng. Back in the day, they had competed against each other. In the end, Da Di Daozhang and Ouyang Feng emerged victorious, becoming Holy Sons. Later, Da Di Daozhang suddenly disappeared, his whereabouts unknown. Within the Houtu Sect, only Ouyang Feng remained as a Holy Son. These Core Disciples spent most of their time in seclusion cultivation, so many of them were actually unaware that Da Di Daozhang had returned. Now, seeing Da Di Daozhang so suddenly naturally shocked them greatly.
"Hmph, a mere brat at the Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm dares to enter the fifth level of the Earth Pagoda? Tired of living? Scram! Don't disturb our peace!" Suddenly, a Core Disciple shot an intimidating gaze at Ye Yunfei and snorted coldly.
"Zeng Huan, don't say I didn't warn you, some people are not to be provoked," Da Di Daozhang's face darkened as he said.
"Haha… Du Fan, what are you acting all high and mighty for in front of me? You're only at the Grotto-Heaven Tenth Level. Meanwhile, I've already reached the Minor Mystic Pill Realm's initial stage. You're no longer fit to be a Holy Son!" The disciple named Zeng Huan sneered.
"Who says a lower cultivation level means you can't be a Holy Son? This kid is called Su Ye. With strength at the Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm, he is now our Houtu Sect's third Holy Son," suddenly, a tall and lanky disciple said with a cold laugh.
"What?! This kid is a Holy Son?" Immediately, all the Core Disciples on the fifth level turned their eyes towards Ye Yunfei.
These Core Disciples were the strongest elite disciples within the Houtu Sect, spending most of their time in closed-door cultivation, detached from worldly affairs. Thus, they were actually unaware of the new Holy Son within the sect.
"What's even more laughable is that this kid just joined our Houtu Sect and directly became a Holy Son," the tall and lanky disciple added.
"How could this be! He just joined the Houtu Sect and directly became a Holy Son!"
"Roar… What in the world were the Sect Leader and the elders thinking! Every one of us Core Disciples has been in the Houtu Sect for hundreds of years, contributed god knows how much to the sect, yet we never got the chance to become a Holy Son. What qualifications or merits does he, a brat who just joined the sect and only has strength at the Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm, possess to become a Holy Son?! I don't accept this!"
...
The Core Disciples roared one after another. Sharp, intimidating gazes locked onto Ye Yunfei.
Among these several dozen Core Disciples, at least half were at the Minor Mystic Pill Realm. How could they possibly accept a mere Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm brat climbing over their heads to become a Holy Son!