Chapter 807

Chapter 807: Voices of Opposition

As Ye Yun gazed at the continuous mountain ranges before him, he could clearly feel the pervasive spiritual energy. He realized bringing so many people to the Immortal Dao Sect hadn’t been a mistake. The sheer density of ambient spiritual energy alone surpassed most sects. When cultivators nearby noticed him, though unfamiliar, they offered friendly smiles and casual greetings. Clicking his tongue, Ye Yun observed the lush greenery surrounding them.

These were undoubtedly high-grade spirit materials. Even the ornamental willows served as excellent third-tier spirit materials for energy production. Cultivating such vast quantities across the mountains must have consumed astronomical spirit stones. Yet the spiritual energy here paled compared to the Star God Hall’s intensity, which connected to the sect’s sacred cultivation grounds. Still, this place far exceeded ordinary sects.

The distant landscape soothed Ye Yun’s mind, filling him with contentment. Daily views like this would make his efforts worthwhile, though he knew even beauty grows stale. Eventually, forced appreciation breeds distaste. For now, the dawn scenery provided perfect respite.

"Fine scenery deserves fine wine," the Ancestor chuckled, interrupting Ye Yun’s reverie. "At my age, you’ll crave memories over vistas – adventures with comrades through forbidden zones. Scars become trophies."

"Memories only highlight powerlessness," Ye Yun murmured. Though stealing moments of peace, the weight of unclaimed responsibilities pressed upon him – slaying demon gods, sealing demon tribes. Were these truly his burdens? Choice hinged on mere thought.

A thought could become lifelong conviction or fleeting whim. Ye Yun didn’t fear future trials, only future regrets. "Let memories not bring sorrow. This simple wish I ask." New resolve tempered his melancholy, yet full understanding remained distant. His path stretched long.

"The sect competition approaches," Ye Yun reminded himself, smiling wryly. His first official duty here demanded excellence. Poor performance would fuel endless gossip.

"Ye Yun! Qing Li said you were secluded!" Shui Lingling’s bubbly voice interrupted. The twins approached, curiosity animating their features. "Needed air," he shrugged.

"See Yingying? Even Ye Yun agrees isolation harms cultivation!" Lingling crowed triumphantly. "Force-feeding training hurts Ling’er’s health!"

Yingying tapped her sister’s head fondly. "Ye Yun emerges after proper cultivation. You just seek excuses to slack."

"Mean Yingying!" Lingling pouted before remembering their purpose. "Qing Li stopped us earlier, but you must go to Immortal Dao Hall! Elders debate your position. The Sect Leader barely restrains them."

Yingying nodded gravely. "They resist your elder status under pretexts. Fear you’ll claim Immortal Dao Stones despite your lower realm. Most oppose you."

"Trouble arrives early," Ye Yun mused. He’d expected protests after the competition, giving Shen Zhongyang and Mu Zhi evasion chances. This timing proved ideal. "Let’s greet these anxious elders."

The twins’ concern drew a chuckle. "Have faith. Your worry makes me doubt myself."

Lingling giggled. "We’ll cheer you! But why cling to elder status? You’ve got the Stone already!"

"Even mountains of Immortal Spirit Stones deplete," Ye Yun replied. "Wealth without effort breeds complacency."

The Ancestor’s voice grumbled internally: "Your Xumi Treasure hoard could sustain me centuries! At least fetch Drunken Berries for my wine!"

"A few berries, perhaps," Ye Yun conceded. "But my Storage Treasure’s no orchard. You’ve abstained this long; endure longer."

"Persecuted by my own descendant!" the Ancestor wailed dramatically as Ye Yun departed with the twins.

Immortal Dao Hall’s tension thickened as Ye Yun entered. A robed elder addressed Shen Zhongyang: "A First Level Earth Immortal as elder? Though he killed the Lava Sea King, this insults our decades of loyal service!" Murmurs of agreement rippled.

Elder Xing’s staff thundered. "Would you disregard his sealing of demons? His defense of Celestial Tower? Strip his title if you dare!"

The dissenters shifted uneasily. Though boosted to Ninth Level via demonic energy, confronting peak Eighth Level veterans like Xing risked devastating losses.

"Qualifications matter," their leader countered. "Disciples will question unearned promotions." Their true aim went unspoken – monopolizing Immortal Dao Stones to reach Tenth Level dominance.

Shen Zhongyang observed silently, ancient eyes weighing ambitions. The sect’s balance hung precarious – as did Lingyao Continent’s fate, nearly shattered during the Celestial-Demon battlefield conflicts.