With a soft swish, Lin Fei had barely stepped into the grand hall when he immediately became the focus of many piercing gazes. Seated in prominent positions were two martial artists. One was a face Lin Fei recognized well — it was none other than the Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall, the esteemed Martial Sovereign, Wind Sovereign. Beside Wind Sovereign sat another martial artist exuding an aura of authority. Without needing an introduction, Lin Fei deduced that this must be the leader of the Ancient Origin Sect, another of the famed Martial Sovereigns.
Within the hall, other figures, though only martial saints, were key figures in the Ancient Origin Sect: the Chief of the Transmission Hall, the Master of the Treasure Exchange Pavilion, and the Chief of the Task Hall, among others. While these martial artists weren't Martial Sovereigns, each had harnessed the power of at least two flowers, marking them as formidable forces and core members of the Ancient Origin Sect. Besides the reclusive and meditating elder figures of the sect, almost every influential individual who had a say in the sect's affairs was present. The scale of the gathering indicated the gravity of the situation.
"Greetings, Sect leader, Wind Sovereign, and esteemed elders," Lin Fei offered a modest salute towards the Sect leader and Wind Sovereign. For the others, he simply gave a nod of acknowledgment. As the foremost elder of the Law Enforcement Hall and next only to the Sovereigns, his standing was second to none. At most, some might have had slightly more authority, but in terms of status, Lin Fei was undoubtedly at the core of the Ancient Origin Sect.
"Elder Lin, please take a seat," the Sect leader gestured after observing Lin Fei, and a chair materialized beside him. Without any pretense, Lin Fei settled down. Assessing his seating, he realized he had been given a prominent position. In certain contexts, seating arrangements symbolized one's stature and the Sect leader's gesture acknowledged Lin Fei's competence and standing.
"Elder Lin," began the Sect leader, "we've summoned you today for a consultation. Regarding the last matter you reported, concerning the appearance of a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Taiyi Dao Palace on the Fairy Mist Island. After you brought this to our attention, our sect took it very seriously and commenced an investigation into Taiyi Dao Palace. As it turns out, there was indeed a matter of concern.
Just a few days ago, Taiyi Dao Palace proactively contacted the Ancient Origin Sect, Profound Light Cave Heaven, and Red Hades Mansion, the three major forces. They admitted that they couldn't keep their secret any longer and revealed their reason for heading to Fairy Mist Island. In that maritime region lies an immortal mansion left behind by a Nascent Soul Great Being. They've even ascertained its approximate location. All three factions have dispatched Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons to explore that maritime region along with the cultivators from Taiyi Dao Palace."
"It is indeed an Immortal Mansion," the Sect leader continued. "But this mansion is no ordinary place. It is protected by a powerful array. Even for us, the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons, it's challenging to break through.
Yet, since the mansion is without a master, we managed to work together and create a small entrance in the protective array, just enough for someone to enter. However, this entrance only allows Martial Saints or Foundation Establishment cultivators to enter. If a Golden Core True Person or Martial Sovereign attempts to go in, the array would exert a powerful suppressive force. If that happens, the mansion will disappear and become untraceable.
After discussions with Taiyi Dao Palace, our three factions decided to deploy our Golden Core True Persons and Martial Sovereigns to suppress the mansion's array for one month. This will give our Foundation Establishment True Persons and Martial Saints the opportunity to enter the mansion and search for treasures.
While the three factions will enter and exit together, we can't overlook the allure of the treasures inside an Immortal Mansion left by a Nascent Soul Great Being. Disputes might arise over the ownership of these treasures, especially with members of Taiyi Dao Palace present.
All factions will undoubtedly send their top-tier Foundation Establishment cultivators into the mansion. Although the Ancient Origin Sect is a martial arts sect, the treasures left behind by a Nascent Soul Great Being can be highly beneficial to martial artists too. Hence, we have decided that Elder Lin will lead our sect's elite Martial Saints to the mansion to secure these treasures.
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Elder Lin, what are your thoughts?"
Everyone's eyes were now on Lin Fei. He took a moment to digest everything that the Sect leader had conveyed.
An Immortal Mansion! Beneath the waters of the Fairy Mist Island was a mansion left behind by a Nascent Soul Great Being. Even though Lin Fei was a martial artist, he was well aware of the cultivation system of the Immortal Dao. A Golden Core cultivator could live for a thousand years and was regarded as an ancestral figure. As for Nascent Soul, they could live for ten thousand years, with vast powers enough to destroy worlds. Becoming a Nascent Soul meant truly becoming a Great Being.
On the vast ancient continent, Nascent Soul powerhouses could roam freely and dominate. An Immortal Mansion left behind by such power could cause countless factions to become desperate for possession. It was now clear why Taiyi Dao Palace had secretly attempted to take control of Fairy Mist Island. They probably wanted to monopolize the mansion. Fortunately, their plans were disrupted by Lin Fei, and not only did they fail to gain control over the island, but their covert actions were also exposed. Knowing they couldn't keep it a secret, they openly communicated with the three major factions, proposing a joint exploration of the mansion.
The mansion's protective array, even without the presence of a Nascent Soul Great Being, remained formidable. It was not something that Golden Core True Persons or Martial Sovereigns could break easily.
The four sects joined forces and they barely managed to breach a tiny opening in the formation. It only allowed those at the Foundation Establishment level to enter the Immortal Mansion. The four forces, naturally, coveted the treasures within the mansion. Thus, they would send their Foundation True Persons and Martial Saints into the mansion.
Lin Fei weighed his options. With the might of a Nascent Soul cultivator, even if not a martial arts great being, the paths of martial arts and immortality converged. The remnants might very well benefit martial artists. Under no circumstance could the Ancient Origin Sect remain indifferent to this mansion.
As for the risks? Lin Fei had considered them, venturing into the mansion was undoubtedly perilous. But with his current prowess. Lin Fei was confident. Protecting himself shouldn't prove challenging.
Thus, Lin Fei had made up his mind.
"Sect Leader, Wind Sovereign, I wish to journey to the Immortal Mansion. However, I have a minor request."
Lin Fei stated, neither humble nor arrogant, in a calm tone.
"Elder Lin, state your request."
"To enter the mansion, only I should go. The other Martial Saints, I fear they would only be burdens to me. Therefore, for this venture into the mansion, I wish to go alone."
As Lin Fei's words settled, the crowd was abuzz. Especially the Martial Saints present in the grand hall. One by one, their expressions darkened. Their eyes fixed on Lin Fei, revealing their displeasure. What did Lin Fei mean by that statement? Was he looking down on all the Martial Saints of the Ancient Origin Sect? Even if they were the elders and leaders who stood at the pinnacle of Martial Saints, they were also the "burdens" Lin Fei spoke of?
"Elder Lin, you might be underestimating the Martial Saints of our Ancient Origin Sect."
"Indeed, Elder Lin's strength is awe-inspiring, capable of defeating Jiang Tianyun of the Illusion Worry City. However, the depth of our Ancient Origin Sect is unparalleled. Where can Illusion Worry City even compare? Even for Jiang Tianyun, there are no less than ten Martial Saints in the Ancient Origin Sect who can defeat him!"
"Elder Lin, having joined the Ancient Origin Sect midway, perhaps you do not truly grasp our essence. Our Ancient Origin Sect boasts a profound legacy. We have numerous formidable Martial Saints. Defeating Jiang Tianyun doesn't render one invincible amongst the Martial Saints."
"To view other Martial Saints as burdens, Elder Lin, you might be overestimating yourself."
For a moment, virtually all of the Martial Saint elders were discontented with Lin Fei. Only the Wind Sovereign and the Sect Leader remained silent. Both of them understood clearly. Lin Fei's accomplishments weren't just limited to defeating Jiang Tianyun. Lin Fei had also repelled the Golden Core level magic treasure, the Great Mountain Seal! He even killed the two proud disciples of the Taiyi Dao Palace.
With a swift glance, Lin Fei's cold voice rang out, "If any dissenters exist, you are welcome to test my strength in the arena! I don't wish to enter the perilous Immortal Mansion while being distracted by the need to protect others."
Lin Fei didn't intend to offend everyone. However, entering the Immortal Mansion posed undeniable risks. Lin Fei didn't want to be burdened with protecting others.
Furthermore, acting alone, he could operate without any restraints. The gains would surely be much more than if several Martial Saints acted together.
"There might be dangers within the Immortal Mansion. Elder Lin's concerns are understandable. If anyone truly has confidence, they can challenge Elder Lin on the platform. Even teaming up is permissible. Elder Lin, you wouldn't mind, would you?"
Wind Sovereign suddenly interjected. This was akin to pouring oil onto a raging fire! All the Martial Saints' faces turned unsightly. Only the Sect Leader and Wind Sovereign retained their composure. Their gaze toward Lin Fei carried a subtle depth.
"I don't mind. Team up if you wish. I'll take on all challengers."
Lin Fei responded indifferently.