“What? Grandmaster of Illusory Spirits? And Illusory Spirit Technique even surpassing Master Feng's, don't joke around, how is that possible?”

“Oh my, even if Master Feng is trying to protect Long Wuxian, there's no need to come up with such a joke, right? Plus, even if Long Wuxian is an Illusory Spirit Master, with just the cultivation level of late Immortal Emperor realm, how powerful can Illusory Spirit Technique be, let alone surpassing Master Feng.”

“Well, when he appeared earlier, he released saint emperor-level soul power, it seems he's a person whose soul realm surpasses his cultivation level. Of course, in terms of cultivation, Long Wuxian isn't that strong, so the only explanation is that Long Wuxian is a very powerful Illusory Spirit Grandmaster!”

“Yes, if this is true, then Long Wuxian's value will increase exponentially, even if the Sect Master personally intervenes, he will have to take note of him.”

Everyone present was shocked, with astonishment on every face, what Elder Wind God said was simply explosive!

Of course, this made Long Wuxian somewhat pleased. When it comes to his identity as an Illusory Spirit Master, the more people know about it, the better. Although he couldn't publicize and showcase himself anywhere, now that Elder Wind God from the Southern Territory gave him such praise, his network in the Southern Territory would probably skyrocket.

“It's impossible, how could he be an Illusory Spirit Master?”

Chu Xiu was almost vomiting blood. Today's events were gradually unfolding in a direction favorable to Long Wuxian, something he couldn't have imagined. Now, with the emergence of Long Wuxian's identity as an Illusory Spirit Master, his significance to the sect would be completely different.

An Illusory Spirit Master, wherever they go, will command respect, no one would dare to underestimate them.

“Master Wind, even though I know you are highly respected in the sect, it would be best not to joke about such matters.”

Senior Elder Yun Zifei's tone also became serious. If what Elder Wind God said was true, that Zhang Tianze was not only a cultivation genius but also an exceptional Illusory Spirit Master, handling him would require caution. If it came down to punishment, it would probably need the Sect Master to intervene personally.

“When have I ever joked, and furthermore, have you ever seen me treat someone as a companion?”

Suddenly, Wind God Elder's aura turned strong.

Yun Zifei frowned. If these words had come from Long Wuxian himself, he wouldn't have believed them, but coming from Elder Wind God, he was astonished. As the Senior Elder, he had interacted with Wind God Elder many times, he knew this old man very well, an extremely proud and eccentric Illusory Spirit Master who rarely praised anyone. Today, he was showing such admiration and preference for an outer disciple like Long Wuxian, indicating that the disciple must have made significant achievements in the field of Illusory Spirit Technique.

Yun Zifei could confirm that Elder Wind God had no prior acquaintance with Long Wuxian. In fact, the two of them had only interacted for a few days. The fact that this old man considered Long Wuxian as a companion indicated that Long Wuxian must have qualities that attracted him greatly.

“Even if Long Wuxian is a formidable Illusory Spirit Master, he has still violated the sect rules, severe punishment is inevitable. Since you, Master Wind, are insistent on protecting him today, I won't argue with you. Let's leave the matter of punishing Long Wuxian to the Sect Master.”

Yun Zifei spoke up.

Yun Zifei was a clever person. He could clearly see that with Elder Wind God around, any punishment he tried to impose on Long Wuxian would be thwarted by this old man. Moreover, given Long Wuxian's young age and formidable skills as an Illusory Spirit Master, carrying the future and hopes of the sect, it was undeniable that this was a complex situation.

Ordering a punishment would offend Wind God Elder and Long Wuxian, not punishing would seem unfair and leave Chu Xiu and others unsatisfied.

Given the circumstances, it was best to leave this challenging situation for the Sect Master to handle.

The Sect Master was the supreme authority of the sect, wielding unmatched power to judge anyone or any situation within the sect. The presence of the Sect Master in itself represented an authoritative figure.

Soon, Sect Master Tian Chi appeared at the inner gate, not descending but floating in the air.

“Greetings, Sect Master.”

Everyone bowed and saluted towards the sky. The faces of the inner disciples showed excitement because meeting the Sect Master was extremely rare for them. Some disciples had been in the sect for over a year without seeing the Sect Master, making them extremely curious about Tian Chi.

“Sect Master, I've already briefed you on the situation. How do you suggest dealing with Long Wuxian?”

Yun Zifei inquired.

“Sect Master, Long Wuxian has wronged my junior brother, causing trouble in the inner gate. Such behavior disregards your authority.”

Chu Xiu bowed respectfully to Tian Chi. She had made up her mind today, no matter what, she would ensure that Tian Chi severely punished Long Wuxian as she couldn't let her brother die in vain!

Using the present situation to her advantage, even if Long Wuxian had exceptional talents as an Illusory Spirit Master, she wasn't going to let him off the hook easily. After all, killing her second brother and causing trouble within the inner gate were undeniable facts.

Tian Chi's gaze fell upon Long Wuxian and he furrowed his brows.

A few days ago, he had met Long Wuxian, and now, he had caused such a big issue. From a certain perspective, Tian Chi respected Long Wuxian for his courage and loyalty. Such a person was worth cultivating and precisely what the sect needed. However...

As the Sect Master, he had to heed the expectations of the sect. Thus, he had to provide an explanation and take action regarding today's events, giving the inner disciples and Chu Xiu a resolution.

“Long Wuxian, as the Sect Master, I must now punish you. Do you have anything to say?”

Tian Chi addressed Long Wuxian firmly.

“I have nothing to say. Give me another chance, and I will still kill Er Xiu, still cripple Feng Zhenyu. I seek justice for my friend, and teach a lesson to my enemies. Sister Feiyue is tortured to an unknown fate by those scoundrels, even Elder Wind God is helpless. Therefore, he deserved it!” Long Wuxian showed no signs of remorse as he spoke.

These words drew admiration from many, despite his ruthless methods, he showed true loyalty and righteousness. For the sake of his friend, he was willing to take on considerable risks, regardless of the consequences.

“Long Wuxian, by rights, your actions merit death, but considering that Er Xiu and others were at fault, I shall be lenient. As far as I know, there is a Saint Emperor Demon Stone in the center of the Emperor Spirit Abyss within Saint Demon Mountain. Retrieve the Saint Emperor Demon Stone.”

Tian Chi said.

A buzz of astonishment erupted in the square. Sending Long Wuxian to obtain the Saint Emperor Demon Stone? It was practically akin to sending him to his death!

"The Saint Emperor Demon Stone is located in the Emperor Spirit Abyss at the heart of Saint Demon Mountain. For us disciples, it's off-limits, even when some elders tried to explore it, none dared to step inside!"

"Yes, it's said to be under the protection of an ancient Emperor Spirit there, with Long Wuxian's cultivation level, going there means walking into death's door!"

“Sect Master, with Junior Long Wuxian's cultivation, sending him to the Emperor Spirit Abyss is no different from sending him to his death?!”

Elder Wind God immediately interjected. He never expected Tian Chi to give Long Wuxian such an impossible task. It wasn't a punishment but a death sentence!

"Whether you take it lightly or not! Even I dare not enter the Emperor Spirit Palace ruins; you want Long Wuxian to take the Saint Emperor Demon Stone? No, it's impossible!"

Elder Wind God was furious, almost pointing at Elder Consul to scold him.

"This is the decision of the Sect Master; this is a trial for Long Wuxian by the Sect Master. Consider this punishment already quite lenient."

Elder Consul chimed in with a smile.

When they heard about sending Long Wuxian to retrieve the Saint Emperor Demon Stone, Elder Consul and Chu Xiu couldn't help but sneer. They had thought the Sect Master would protect Long Wuxian like Elder Wind God did, but it seemed the Sect Master was truly impartial...

Hmph, this was a subtle yet effective way to get rid of Long Wuxian!

"You, what if... That Emperor Spirit Palace ruins, tell me about it?"

Long Wuxian asked Wind beside him in a low voice.

"Senior brother, Saint Demon Mountain is divided into three regions by the sect. The outer area is for activities, the forest is the wild and dangerous area and forbidden zone for advanced inner disciples, and the inner area is restricted! Most disciples are in the outer region, and the forest is where senior inner disciples undergo survival trials. The restricted zone is where Illusory Spirit demon gods of Saint Emperor realm and above usually inhabit, it's where the elders train. And the Emperor Spirit Ruins... That's where four elders from the Council died, all were above Saint Emperor realm, one was even a late-stage Saint Emperor, said to have died while exploring the Emperor Spirit Cave!"

Wind widened her eyes, sounding shocked.

"Why hasn't the Sect Master exterminated it given its horrific nature?"

Long Wuxian asked in confusion.

"Senior brother, Saint Demon Mountain serves as the training ground for the sect's disciples, and the sect is responsible for dividing and managing the areas. The ruins inside the cave are currently beyond the Sect Master's abilities. Although we know how terrifying it is inside, after that incident, the Sect Master was injured, and it was the elders who escorted him out."

Wind said fearfully.

Upon hearing this, Long Wuxian nodded, understanding the profound significance of the Emperor Spirit Cave. Put in simple terms, it wasn't so easy for the sect itself to enter, but if the Sect Master Tian Chi couldn't access it, then sending him there...

"I don't care about all that!"

Tian Chi ignored Xuan Ming's rage, his gaze turned back to Long Wuxian. "Long Wuxian, this is both a punishment and a task. Do you accept the challenge?"

At that moment, Long Wuxian became the center of attention once more, countless eyes fixed on him. They all wondered whether Long Wuxian dared to take on this near-suicidal task, venturing to retrieve the Saint Emperor Demon Stone, an endeavor dangerous for Long Wuxian even if he were to simply step into the forbidden region, a place teeming with Illusory Spirit demon gods of Saint Emperor realm levels and above.