As the Earth Dragon absorbed more and more earth energy, Ye Yunfei could clearly sense the aura it emitted growing increasingly stronger.
It seems this Earth Dragon, having been locked beneath the Earth Pagoda for endless years, had suffered severe energy depletion.
At the same time, around the Earth Pagoda…
“It seems to have calmed down,” one of the elders commented.
All the senior members of the Houtu Sect were still stationed around the Earth Pagoda, monitoring its activity. The pagoda was of immense importance to them; if anything happened to it, it would be a tremendous loss.
“Indeed. It does seem to have quieted. Let's hope the Earth Pagoda is alright,” the Sect Leader said.
Unconsciously, a full day passed. The Earth Pagoda remained completely quiet.
“Sect Leader, should we go in and check?” a certain elder asked, looking at the Sect Leader.
“Alright, let's take a look. However, everyone be cautious. The pressure within the pagoda seems to have suddenly intensified significantly.” After a moment’s thought, the Sect Leader gave the order.
Thus, the Sect Leader led the senior members of the Houtu Sect into the Earth Pagoda, treading carefully.
Meanwhile…
Having absorbed sufficient earth energy, the Earth Dragon had already returned to the cavern beneath the Earth Pagoda.
This was according to Ye Yunfei’s will. After all, this Earth Dragon had been left behind by the ancient predecessors of the Houtu Sect. Its departure would be a severe blow to the sect. Therefore, Ye Yunfei instructed the Earth Dragon to remain beneath the pagoda for the time being.
Inside the Earth Pagoda, the Houtu Sect seniors had entered the first floor.
“Even the energy pressure on the first floor is this powerful now!” an elder exclaimed in shock.
“Everyone, be careful. It seems something within the pagoda has definitely changed.” The Sect Leader’s expression turned grave.
The group then descended to the second, then the third floor. The energy pressure present on these two floors grew increasingly potent!
When these seniors stepped onto the fourth floor, all their faces underwent drastic changes. The energy pressure here caused their bodies to feel heavy. Two of the weaker members, caught off guard, almost knelt on the spot!
Next, they reached the fifth floor.
Thud! Thud!
Immediately, four of the weakest seniors could endure it no longer. They plopped down onto the floor, drenched in sweat!
The Sect Leader, Yan Tianzong, and Tao Wenzhi, being the strongest of them, also had beads of sweat appear on their foreheads, feeling immense strain.
“Let’s go out. Descending further will be dangerous.” The Sect Leader, after a moment's consideration, made the decision.
The other elders unanimously nodded. Thus, the entire group left the Earth Pagoda.
“Effective immediately,” the Sect Leader declared right after exiting, “outer court disciples may only cultivate on the first floor. Inner court disciples on the second floor. Core disciples on the third.”
Since even the Houtu Sect elders found the pressure on the fourth and fifth floors overwhelming, to say nothing of the disciples.
“Alright, everyone may disperse.” The Sect Leader announced clearly.
With that, the crowd gathered around the Earth Pagoda began to disperse. For the past two or three days, virtually everyone within the Houtu Sect headquarters, from elders to disciples, had been focused on the pagoda's condition. Most had remained stationed around it.
“Master,” Da Di Daozhang approached Yan Tianzong and asked, “did you see Su Ye inside just now…?”
“We did not. It seems Su Ye has met with misfortune.” Yan Tianzong sighed.
“A pity. He was a promising talent,” the Sect Leader also shook his head ruefully.
It was at that moment…
“Su Ye! Where are you?! Get out here!” Suddenly, a loud roar sounded from afar.
Everyone saw a young man with piercingly cold eyes launching into the air from a certain cultivation peak in the distance. The man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his every move exuding a sense of arrogant self-importance.
“It’s Xiao Liang! He’s emerged from seclusion!” Immediately, countless gazes focused on the man as exclamations rang out.
Xiao Liang was a renowned genius disciple of the Houtu Sect; his actions attracted widespread attention.
“Where is Su Ye?! Get out here and fight me!” Xiao Liang bellowed, his voice amplified by spiritual power, spreading far and wide and shaking the entire Houtu Sect headquarters.
“So the rumors were true! Xiao Liang came looking for trouble with Su Ye the moment he emerged!” Many disciples whispered in discussion.
Two days prior, Xiao Liang had already sent word that upon exiting seclusion, he would duel Su Ye. Now, just emerged, he immediately sought Su Ye out!
“Su Ye, get out here!” Xiao Liang seemed to be growing impatient and roared again.
“Xiao Liang, what is your business with Su Ye?” In a flash, the Sect Leader appeared before Xiao Liang and asked with a frown.
“Sect Leader, Su Ye injured my younger brother. That debt must be repaid. Moreover, he just recently joined the Houtu Sect, with mere Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm strength. What right does he have to become our sect’s Holy Son directly?! I am not convinced! I challenge him!” Xiao Liang declared loudly.
“Outrageous!” The Sect Leader flew into a rage.
“Sect Leader,” Tao Wenzhi stepped forward and said, “I feel Xiao Liang is one of the most outstanding disciples of our Houtu Sect. In terms of seniority or cultivation realm, he surpasses Su Ye. His refusal to accept this is perfectly reasonable.”
“That’s right. Sect Leader, I also feel Xiao Liang surpasses Su Ye in every aspect.” Some other elders also voiced their opinions. These were all elders who had been won over by Tao Wenzhi, forming a faction.
The Sect Leader’s face darkened, but he was somewhat helpless. Tao Wenzhi had gathered a significant number of elders to his side, and his influence within the Houtu Sect grew steadily. In many situations, the Sect Leader could do little against him.
“Elder Brother!” At this moment, Xiao Wu arrived from afar.
“Elder Brother, you came out of seclusion too late. Su Ye… has already perished within the Earth Pagoda.”
“Hmph! To not be able to kill him with my own hands… that’s far too easy on him!” Upon hearing this, Xiao Liang snorted coldly.
“Do you think the likes of you could kill me?” Suddenly, a voice rang out from inside the Earth Pagoda.
Who?
Instantly, all eyes locked onto the pagoda. Then, the crowd saw a figure stride out from its entrance.
“Su Ye!” Many cried out in astonishment upon recognizing him.
“How is this possible?! Su Ye… he’s still alive?!” Even the elders were each and every one extremely shocked.
Ever since the incident occurred within the Earth Pagoda, the Houtu Sect elders had entered twice and found no trace of Ye Yunfei whatsoever. Yet now, he had suddenly walked out. This was utterly bizarre!
Could it be… Su Ye made it to the seventh floor? This thought suddenly emerged in the minds of the elders. After the pagoda changed, during their first entry, these elders descended only to the sixth floor. During their second, they reached the fifth. Neither time did they see Su Ye. This indicated that if Su Ye had remained inside the pagoda all this time, he must have at least descended to the seventh floor!