Central Continent, aboard the Tianyan Sect's Cloud-Piercing Shuttle.
A colossal vessel tore through the clouds, revealing its awe-inspiring form. The massive ship, resembling a small mountain, was adorned with intricate arrays and formations. A pale blue trail of spiritual energy streamed behind it, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The affairs of the Ten Thousand Flowers Ridge had been temporarily entrusted to Li Yingling. Nothing of great importance was happening there, and even if things went awry, it would only mean rebuilding at worst.
No extra disciples had been brought along—who knew how dangerous this journey might be? Since Bai Xuanling hadn’t mentioned it, they decided to leave them behind altogether.
As for Chu Xingchen, he had already arrived at the Tianyan Sect following the instructions from the talisman message.
Standing on the highest deck of the massive ship, Chu Xingchen gazed at the magnificent blue energy trail, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Truly impressive," he murmured.
As expected of one of the Eighteen Immortal Sects—such grandeur was unmatched.
Chu Xingchen ran his hand along the railing, then gave it a light pat.
"What? Do you like this ship?" Bai Xuanling's teasing voice came from behind him.
Turning around, Chu Xingchen saw Bai Xuanling standing there, her expression calm as she too observed the spiritual energy trailing behind the vessel.
"Of course I like it. This thing must have cost a fortune to build."
"Indeed, it was exorbitant. Back then, even the Tianyan Sect felt the strain of its construction. Some argued it was necessary, while others saw it as a waste—like throwing money at the hilt of a blade rather than the blade itself."
Bai Xuanling paused, as if recalling something, then chuckled before continuing.
"At the time, many among the Eighteen Immortal Sects were building similar vessels. This ship was initially designed as a battleship. Back then, the Central Continent hadn’t yet settled into peace. Though the chaos never reached the Tianyan Sect, no one knew if this technology would become the next turning point."
"In the end, the sect leader pushed through the battleship construction plan despite opposition. This vessel embodies the pinnacle of the Tianyan Sect’s craftsmanship."
"But as construction progressed, problems arose. If the outer hull were made entirely of meteoric iron, the cost would be astronomical. Yet without it, despite its size, the ship could be split in half by a single strike from a Mahayana-stage cultivator."
"The sect leader gritted his teeth and chose meteoric iron. But halfway through, they realized even that wouldn’t withstand the divine abilities of a Mahayana expert."
"Left with no choice, they had to reinforce it with arrays and formations, even devising a battle formation requiring eighteen Mahayana cultivators to protect it."
"The ship’s most crucial features were its traversal speed and its array-powered bombardment capabilities."
"Yet in the end, its speed couldn’t match that of a high-level cultivator, and its bombardment strength fell short of a Tribulation Transcension expert’s divine abilities—not to mention the lengthy charging time required."
"The gap between the planned specifications and the actual results was like heaven and earth. By the time construction was nearly complete, even the sect leader was stunned."
"Unless they poured even more resources into refining the technology, the project would remain flawed. But the costs had already soared beyond reason before the ship even took flight. In the end, they had no choice but to wrap it up as it was."
Chu Xingchen nodded in understanding, then sighed.
"But it still looks incredibly cool."
Bai Xuanling gently stroked the railing as well. "Of course it does—money was spent on it. Just the daily operation consumes ten thousand spirit stones."
Chu Xingchen immediately withdrew his hand, suddenly feeling less impressed.
Ten thousand spirit stones? How many pills would he have to refine to earn that much?
Bai Xuanling mused, "This ship hasn’t been taken out for a spin in decades."
Chu Xingchen asked, "Does that mean this gathering of the immortal sects is especially important?"
Bai Xuanling nodded. "Otherwise, we wouldn’t have called you here. But while it’s important, your task is simple—just act a little more arrogant."
"Arrogant? I don’t know how," Chu Xingchen replied with an innocent expression.
Bai Xuanling smiled approvingly. "Perfect. Just be yourself, and that’ll come across as plenty arrogant. When we reach the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, just act naturally."
Chu Xingchen was about to protest, but in the next moment, the massive ship broke through another layer of clouds, revealing a breathtaking sight—a grand palace suspended in the sky, stretching endlessly into the horizon.
The blend of pale blue and light green hues gave the place an air of solemn majesty.
The plaque bearing the name "Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect" was formed from condensed spiritual energy, hanging proudly above the celestial gates. The calligraphy was bold and unrestrained, exuding grandeur.
Outside, disciples of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, clad in light green robes, stood on flying swords, lining the path.
Beyond the ship’s arrays, an elderly cultivator hovered in the air, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Welcome, honored guests of the Tianyan Sect. Please dock to the left—our disciples will guide you along the way."
Bai Xuanling fixed her gaze on the elder and chuckled. "I didn’t expect the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect to make such a grand gesture, even sending you out to greet us."
Chu Xingchen studied the elder.
[Target: Qing Yun]
[Cultivation: Late-stage Mahayana]
[Purple Trait: Immortal Bearing]
[Purple Trait: High Comprehension]
[Blue Trait: Calm and Collected]
[Blue Trait: Combat Instincts]
Late-stage Mahayana…
As expected of the former number one immortal sect in the world—their hidden aces and prestige were undeniable.
The massive ship shifted leftward, following the guidance of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s disciples.
"Let’s go meet up with the sect leader. No need to hold back this time—just be yourself," Bai Xuanling casually instructed before vanishing in a streak of light.
Be himself?
Chu Xingchen sighed softly. As someone raised with proper manners—humility and modesty were his virtues.
Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, Reception Hall.
Chu Xingchen followed closely behind Bai Xuanling, walking alongside Yanyun. At the front were Lv Xuan and Bai Xuanling, leading the group.
Behind them were four elders and eight core disciples of the Tianyan Sect.
Luo Yue remained as their final trump card, still aboard the ship. Revealing her now might expose their true intentions prematurely.
Inside the reception hall, several disciples of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect stood in two rows.
Chu Xingchen scanned them—all at the Nascent Soul stage, with decent aptitudes.
But the most important figures were the two standing at the far end.
One was a stern-faced man with furrowed brows, draped in an elegant lavender robe. His hair was entirely white, though his features were those of a middle-aged man.
The other was a young man with a gentle smile, dressed in simple, unassuming attire—not the standard disciple robes of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, but plain everyday clothing.
Lv Xuan was the first to greet them. "Sect Leader Li, it’s been a while. You remain as distinguished as ever."
Li Moze, the sect leader of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, gave a slight nod before returning the gesture.
"Sect Leader Lv, it has indeed been too long."
The young man stepped forward, clasping his hands. "It’s been years since I last saw you, Sect Leader Lv." Then, turning to Bai Xuanling with a smile, he added, "This must be my first meeting with Senior Bai. I’ve long heard of your reputation."
Bai Xuanling inclined her head slightly. "I know of you—the illustrious Xu Jin, the 'Hao Hua True Person.'"
Xu Jin hastily waved his hand. "How could I dare claim such a title in your presence, Senior? Please, just call me Xu Jin."
"No need for modesty, Junior Xu," Lv Xuan interjected, gesturing toward Yanyun. "This is my disciple, Yanyun."
Yanyun bowed in greeting.
Then, all eyes turned to Chu Xingchen.
Lv Xuan introduced him with a smile.
"This is Chu Xingchen."
And with that, the introduction ended abruptly, as if unwilling to reveal anything more.
Li Moze's expression remained unchanged: "The Tianyan Sect is full of talented individuals. You're welcome."
Chu Xingchen was about to return the greeting with a simple courtesy when he noticed Bai Xuanling's gaze drifting toward him.
He glanced at Bai Xuanling's eyes—calm and unreadable, as if they held no particular message.
But… considering the task Bai Xuanling had entrusted to him…
Could it be… that even this greeting needed to be delivered with a touch of arrogance?