Looking toward the back mountain of the Yunlan Sect, Xiao Chong's soul power sensed a fairly strong soul entity there.
One that was roughly at the Dou Zong level.
A soul entity of this strength would require someone like Yun Shan to achieve soul projection.
Wait! Xiao Chong could also sense the presence of a peak Dou Huang expert in the back mountain.
If the person currently stuck at the peak Dou Huang level was Yun Shan… then whose soul entity was at the four-star Dou Zong level? Could it be… the Soul Palace?
Xiao Chong began to recall the original story.
In the original plot, the reason Yun Shan was able to break through to the Dou Zong level was due to the assistance of the Soul Palace.
However, because of this, Yun Shan became controlled by the Soul Palace, falling from his lofty position as the revered ancestor of the Yunlan Sect.
The Soul Palace's purpose in propping up Yun Shan as a puppet, aside from having him gather intelligence on the Xiao family and target them, was to one day incite a war that would result in the deaths of numerous powerful individuals, making it convenient for the Soul Palace to collect their soul remnants.
This kind of situation was practically everywhere across the continents, except for the Central Plains! If Yun Shan was still at the peak Dou Huang level, it meant he was likely in the midst of a transaction with this Soul Palace representative.
At the same time, Yun Yun noticed Xiao Chong staring at the back mountain of the Yunlan Sect. She knew that in the eyes of a powerhouse like Xiao Chong, nothing could be hidden, so she spoke directly.
"Mr. Xiao Chong, the back mountain is where the previous sect leader of the Yunlan Sect is in seclusion."
"We would not disturb him unless it was a matter of life and death for the sect."
"Is that so?"
Xiao Chong smiled. "But right now, in the back mountain, your ancestor is in the middle of a transaction and conversation with someone else."
"Hmm… and judging by the aura, your ancestor seems to be suppressed and is likely being threatened by the other party."
"What?!"
Hearing this, Yun Yun immediately stood up and looked toward the back mountain of the Yunlan Sect, her expression instantly turning grim.
She didn't think Xiao Chong was lying to her. After all, whether in terms of strength or status, Xiao Chong had no reason to deceive them.
So she immediately understood—Yun Shan was probably indeed making another deal with those monstrous people…
"Master… he wouldn't be making another deal with those inhuman, ghostly beings, would he?"
"No, I have to stop him!"
Yun Yun seemed to have some idea of who Yun Shan was dealing with, as a look of urgency flashed in her eyes. A pair of cyan wings unfurled behind her, and she flew toward the back mountain.
Xiao Chong knew this situation likely had something to do with the Xiao family, so he naturally intended to go and take a look as well. Before leaving, he turned to reassure Qing Lin and the others.
"Qing Lin, you and Nalan Yanran stay here. I'll be back soon."
"Alright, Young Master, please be careful."
A similar look of anxiety appeared in Nalan Yanran's eyes, but she knew that with their current strength, going over would likely only cause trouble.
However, seeing Xiao Chong's calm demeanor, she nodded, feeling slightly reassured.
Xiao Chong's figure quickly disappeared from the main hall of Yunlan Sect.
...
At the same time, in a secret chamber deep within the sect's back mountain…
Yun Shan, seated cross-legged on a stone bed, gazed with a cold and stern expression at the ghostly figure that had appeared before him. He frowned and said, "Why have you come again? Didn't I make it clear that I have no interest in agreeing to your demands, nor will I be used by you!"
"Hehehe, it seems that in Sect Master Yun's eyes, our Soul Hall's reputation isn't exactly stellar," the figure sneered.
"But, Sect Master Yun, how long can you keep up this tough act? Don't you understand your own physical condition?"
The chilling laughter echoed through the secluded chamber, and Yun Shan's expression grew even colder under its influence.
Yet, he couldn't refute it.
His current state was dire, and if he couldn't break through to the Dou Zong level soon, his lifespan would be completely exhausted—within five years at most, or as little as three.
Even consuming life-extending pills would be futile. Yun Shan had already taken such pills once, and to have any effect again, he would need at least a seventh-grade or higher longevity pill.
So, despite knowing full well that this sinister, ghostly figure and the forces behind him were far from benevolent, their offer to help him break through the Dou Huang barrier was something he couldn't refuse.
In this secluded chamber, Yun Shan stood on the brink of a life-and-death decision.
The ghostly figure from Soul Hall naturally sensed Yun Shan's wavering and pressed on.
"Hehehe… and our demands aren't excessive, Sect Master Yun. We merely ask that you investigate the Xiao family and, when the time comes, target them while also sharing any information you gather about them with us."
"The so-called Xiao family has little to do with your Yunlan Sect. Abandoning them in exchange for a chance to break through to Dou Zong—what's the harm in that?"
"Beyond that, at most, you'll only need to perform some simple tasks for our Soul Hall in the future. That's all."
Veins bulged on Yun Shan's aged wrist, a clear sign of his inner turmoil.
While he had never even heard of the Xiao family, and abandoning people who meant nothing to him was hardly a concern, the latter part of the demand—what exactly would Soul Hall ask of him in the future?—was deeply unsettling.
Seeing Yun Shan still hesitating, the ghostly figure continued to laugh.
"Sect Master Yun, in your youth, you were a prodigy, successfully breaking through to Dou Huang at a remarkably young age."
"Even in the eyes of our Soul Hall's master, such talent is worthy of praise."
"With such potential, do you truly wish to meet your end like this?"
"Sect Master Yun!"
At the mention of the Soul Hall's master, a flicker of apprehension crossed Yun Shan's eyes. Finally, he let out a long sigh and nodded.
"Fine, I'll do as you say."
"When I successfully break through to Dou Zong, I'll target the Xiao family as you've requested."
"Are you satisfied now?"
"Hehehe, very well! Then come… take it, and it will fulfill your desires!"
The shadowy figure from the Soul Hall produced a pitch-black pill, a top-tier sixth-grade elixir known as the "Sect-Breaking Pill."
However, judging from its dark appearance, it was almost immediately apparent that something had been added to the pill.
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