Chapter 809

Chapter 809: Gathering of Experts

An elder at the Ninth Level Earth Immortal realm would typically lead another sect, yet here he remained merely an elder. This stark contrast showcased the gap between top sects and first-rate ones. After all, a mere elder here could become a Sect Leader elsewhere—a staggering difference.

"Have they come?" Ye Yun smiled, spotting familiar faces in the crowd. His gaze lingered on the white-robed man casually waving a jade fan. He wondered why his friend chose to reveal himself so openly, but saw no point in avoiding the encounter.

Instead of flying over, Ye Yun’s body flickered with white light before materializing beside the handsome man. "Brother Mo, since when do lazy souls like you care about sect competitions?"

Mo Wenxian snapped his fan shut, chuckling. "The world knows you became an Immortal Dao Sect elder at the First Level Earth Immortal realm. You passed the Immortal Spirit Test and slew an Eighth Level Earth Immortal Great Demon King—feats matching a first-rate sect leader. How could I miss witnessing such glory?"

"Yet many eyes covet my position today. I wonder if I’ll remain an elder long." Though Ye Yun had once considered killing Mo Wenxian, their trials in the Celestial-Demon battlefield revealed the man’s pure-hearted nature. Such souls rarely sought conflict unless forced.

Mo Wenxian waved dismissively. "The Nine Palaces Heaven’s elders rival yours. Visit us sometime—my master would welcome you." He understood the weight of elder roles in top sects—equivalent to leading first-rate factions. Such power intoxicated many.

But Mo Wenxian craved simplicity—a quiet life with his beloved. His Nine Palaces Annihilation Body would naturally ascend to the Heavenly Immortal realm given time. He could delay it millennia, but when his lifespan dwindled, the transformation would come regardless.

That inevitable separation haunted him. Witnessing Blood Qi Heavenly Immortal’s fall in the Celestial-Demon battlefield had carved helplessness into his soul. He’d vowed never to let loved ones face such peril again.

"Mo Wenxian!" Blood Yi tapped his shoulder, snapping him from dark thoughts. "Stare any harder and people might think you’re challenging me!"

Gripping her hand, he declared, "If fate tries to take you, I’ll tear the heavens apart."

Blood Yi’s crimson eyes softened. "I know."

Ye Yun coughed pointedly. "Reaching Sixth Level Earth Immortal in days? Monstrous. When’s the wedding? Or did I miss it?"

Mo Wenxian flushed, but Blood Yi smirked. "My prey never escapes. Start preparing supreme Immortal artifacts—we might wed within the month!"

Laughing, Ye Yun promised lavish gifts. His mirth faded as a white-robed figure approached—Xue Yi of Star Sword Sect.

"Mo Wenxian! Since when do you attend these gatherings?"

"Here for Brother Ye. Shouldn’t you be meditating at Star Sword Cliff?"

Xue Yi snorted. "Unlike your reclusive Nine Palaces Heaven, we aim to rise from second-rate to first-rate. This competition’s our chance."

Turning to Ye Yun, he bowed. "Elder Ye, I’m Feng Xue Yi, Star Sword Sect’s senior disciple. Your reputation precedes you."

Ye Yun studied the man. Under fifty, without innate gifts, yet reaching Eighth Level Earth Immortal—a once-in-millennia talent. Without his Sword Path Domain, Ye Yun estimated their match would end deadlocked.

As Xue Yi departed, the Ancestor’s voice echoed in Ye Yun’s mind: *Sword cultivator. Remarkable foundations.*

"Only sending you two seems unfair," Ye Yun remarked.

Blood Yi huffed. "San Ying wanted to come, but her cultivation required an Immortal Spirit Stone. We’d rather brave the Immortal Spirit Test than beg old fools."

Ye Yun produced a glowing stone etched with celestial patterns. "I’ve one spare. Since Ling’er’s your friend…"

Blood Yi gaped at the Immortal Spirit Stone. "Generous man! San Ying owes you."

Mo Wenxian bowed. "We’ll secure another for you during the test."

"Just help Ling’er and Yingying in the competition."

"Would’ve anyway." Blood Yi winked. "You dote on them fiercely."

Ye Yun shrugged. "Few true companions exist on this path." Noticing elders filling nearby seats, he activated spatial laws to return to his jade throne.