In the vast and boundless expanse of the ocean, Lin Fei and the Wind Sovereign gracefully tread the air, arriving over these immense waters. Not far from here lay the Isle of Fairy Mist Island, yet the two did not pause there. The exact location of the Immortal Mansion was well-known to the Ancient Origin Sect.
The Wind Sovereign took the lead. After all, the combined might of the four Golden Core True Person and the Martial Sovereign was essential. Together, they needed to suppress the formation of the Immortal Mansion, forging a passage through.
"Over there, those are the representatives of the Profound Light Cave Heaven and the Red Hades Mansion," remarked the Wind Sovereign softly.
Following the gaze of the Wind Sovereign, Lin Fei's eyes discerned them as well. Suspended above the sea, the silhouettes of two groups could vaguely be seen, seemingly waiting for something. The ones dressed in ashen robes belonged to the Profound Light Cave Heaven. In contrast, those of the Red Hades Mansion adorned themselves in vibrant, multicolored attire, a medley of styles without any uniformity. Yet, both the Profound Light Cave Heaven and the Red Hades Mansion had many Foundation Establishment True Persons among them, all presumably intending to enter the Immortal Mansion.
"Wind Sovereign, does the Ancient Origin Sect only send a single Martial Saint into the Immortal Mansion?" queried the Golden Light True Person from the Profound Light Cave Heaven. He was leading the group from the Profound Light Cave Heaven this time and was no stranger to the Wind Sovereign.
"One is sufficient," Wind Sovereign replied calmly. "Entering the Immortal Mansion, it's the quality that counts, not the quantity."
"Is that so? Every single one from my Profound Light Cave Heaven is a top-notch Foundation Establishment True Person. It appears the Ancient Origin Sect lacks successors; not many formidable Martial Saints left," the Golden Light True Person remarked with the same tranquillity.
"Really? Let us see once we enter the Immortal Mansion," retorted Wind Sovereign, the tension palpable between them.
The three great factions, only when faced with external pressures, like the presence of the Taiyi Dao Palace, would they unite. Beneath the surface, deep-seated conflicts and covert struggles were ever-present. Take, for instance, the animosity between Wind Sovereign and the Golden Light True Person. Even before they had ascended to their current statuses, disagreements had marred their history. Their meetings were anything but amicable. Constant conflicts have persisted between the Ancient Origin Sect and the Profound Light Cave Heaven.
"Wind Sovereign, Golden Light True Person, let's table this for now," an urgent voice interrupted. "The envoys from the Taiyi Dao Palace have arrived!"
The one speaking was the Red Crane True Person of Red Hades Mansion, a female Golden Core True Person. Both the Wind Sovereign and Golden Light True Person raised their heads, casting their gaze toward the distant horizon. Indeed, on the far-off skyline, there loomed a grand ship. Evidently, this vessel was a magical treasure, capable of flight. Its magnificent presence stirred the winds and cloaked the skies with mist, making its way toward them with grandeur.
"Hmph, the Taiyi Dao Palace always sees themselves as superior, making such a grand entrance," sneered a voice.
"Hasn't the Taiyi Dao Palace always been like this?" both the Wind Sovereign and Golden Light True Person, for once, agreed. It seemed only in the face of the Taiyi Dao Palace would the two find common ground.
In a flash, the ship from the Taiyi Dao Palace arrived. A Golden Core True Person, accompanied by more than twenty Foundation Establishment True Persons, appeared over the sea, and with a gesture, recalled the magical treasure. The sheer number of top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons surpassed the combined forces of the Ancient Origin Sect, Red Hades Mansion, and Golden Light Cave Heaven. In a certain sense, the Taiyi Dao Palace indeed boasted formidable power. Their deep-rooted strength was astonishing! No wonder they had always overshadowed the three great factions.
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"My fellow Daoists, I apologize for the wait," the Golden Core True Person from the Taiyi Dao Palace said, sweeping his gaze over them.
"So, it's True Person Lu Feng. Now that you've arrived, let us begin," Golden Light True Person remarked coldly. The three major factions and True Person Lu Feng had no pleasantries to exchange. The mere fact they didn't immediately clash was already a testament to their restraint. However, Lu Feng's gaze eventually settled on Lin Fei, a hint of surprise flickering within.
"Is this the Martial Saint of the Ancient Origin Sect?" Lu Feng recognized Lin Fei. An image of him was captured within the Great Mountain Seal. It was Lin Fei who had slain his disciples, the Five Light True Person and the Clear Light True Person.
"Yes, this is the First Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall from the Ancient Origin Sect, Elder Lin Fei," the Wind Sovereign replied calmly.
"Only Elder Lin is representing the Ancient Origin Sect in the Immortal Mansion? It seems the Ancient Origin Sect has great confidence in Elder Lin. Elder Lin's prowess must be truly formidable."
Throughout, Elder Lu Feng's tone remained tranquil.
Lin Fei's brows slightly furrowed. Even though True Person Lu Feng spoke with calmness, Lin Fei sensed a subtle coldness in his eyes. Lin Fei was certain he had never met Lu Feng in his memories. In fact, he could count on one hand the number of people from the Taiyi Dao Palace he had met — just a very few.
Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind. The two top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons he had slain among the pirates on Fairy Mist Island were from the Taiyi Dao Palace, weren't they? Perhaps those two had some connection with the Lu Feng before him. The more he pondered, the more convinced Lin Fei became that there was a connection between Lu Feng and those two.
Nevertheless, Lin Fei wasn't afraid. With Wind Sovereign by his side and the three major powers on high alert against the Taiyi Dao Palace, there was little to fear from them. As for potential ambushes from the Taiyi Dao Palace's Foundation Establishment True Persons, once they entered the Immortal Mansion, Lin Fei couldn't care less. Once inside the mansion, it was uncertain who would be hunting whom.
At this moment, Lu Feng sent a telepathic message to the Foundation Establishment True Persons of the Taiyi Dao Palace: "Remember Lin Fei of the Ancient Origin Sect. Keep a close eye on him. Lin Fei's strength is remarkable; even when Five Light and Clear Light had the Great Mountain Seal, they were slain by him. Do not act rashly against Lin Fei once inside the Immortal Mansion. Our priority is to find the treasures. If you must confront him, make sure it's a lethal strike. Use all your power and work together to besiege him."
The hearts of the many Foundation Establishment True Persons tightened. The mention of Lin Fei, who had slain Five Light and Clear Light even when they deployed the power of the Great Mountain Seal, emphasized his extraordinary abilities. However, they were not afraid. For this trip to the Immortal Mansion, the Taiyi Dao Palace had prepared thoroughly. They believed that unless confronted by a Golden Core True Person, they would surely prevail.
"Alright, let's dive in."
And so, the factions from all sides plunged straight into the waters.
Deep beneath the sea, a sense of unease mingled with awe. Lin Fei, known as Martial Saint, possessed a body that was impervious to the elements, allowing him to dive deep into the ocean without trouble. It wasn't long before the combined forces of the four powers reached the seabed and gazed upon a magnificent Immortal Mansion.
The mansion was inscribed with intricate runes and array patterns, making it clear that it wasn't meant to be accessed by just anyone. True Person Lu Feng, Red Crane True Person, Golden Light True Person, and Wind Sovereign—the three Golden Core True Persons and one Martial Sovereign—joined forces, encircling the mansion.
With a thunderous rumble, the mansion vibrated intensely. Though the great formation of the mansion started its operation, the combined strength of the four powerhouses suppressed it, creating an opening for entry.
"Enter the mansion quickly," one of the leaders directed. "Remember, you have only one month. After that period, you must return. If the mansion seals while you're inside, escape will become almost impossible."
Every Foundation Establishment True Person and Martial Saint felt their hearts tighten. They understood the stakes: Only a formidable Nascent Soul Great Being could breach this mansion. Even for a Golden Core True Person, the best they could hope for was temporarily suppressing the mansion's defensive arrays. Over time, the defenses would reactivate, and if they weren't out by then, they could be trapped forever, with the mansion possibly vanishing entirely.
The opportunity was a singular one, fraught with peril. Being trapped would mean an eternity of confinement.
"Lin Fei, if you can, come out earlier!" Wind Sovereign telepathically communicated to Lin Fei. His caution was based on prudence and an element of distrust. Who could know what True Person Lu Feng of the Taiyi Dao Palace might do? Leaving early would minimize the risks.
Lin Fei nodded in acknowledgment. Without further delay, he and the other Foundation Establishment True Persons flew into the Immortal Mansion, ready to confront whatever lay inside.