Upon returning to his residence, Li Lin's brow furrowed slightly as he sensed the aura of a Spirit Practitioner pervading the air, then he smiled faintly as Li Xin Tong's figure appeared before him.

"Brother." Li Xin Tong joyfully threw herself into Li Lin's arms, her bright eyes filled with a dependent smile.

"Xin Tong, have you become a Spirit Practitioner?" Li Lin marveled. The aura of a Spirit Practitioner he just sensed came from Li Xin Tong. In just a few days, Li Xin Tong had become a first-level Spirit Apprentice. A ten-year-old first-level Spirit Apprentice was probably rare in the entire Spirit Martial Continent.

"Yes, now Xin Tong can become as strong as brother," Li Xin Tong said with a twinkle in her large eyes, her gaze carrying a hint of mischief.

"Have you just returned? How did things go with the Rakshasa Sect?" The figure of Poison Marshal Dong Wuming appeared at the doorway.

"Master." Li Xin Tong affectionately went over to Dong Wuming, holding his hand. By now, she was no longer afraid of the cold aura emanating from Dong Wuming. Over time, their relationship had grown from that of master and disciple to something akin to grandparent and grandchild, with affection between them growing exceptionally strong.

Li Lin smiled inwardly. To Li Xin Tong, Poison Marshal Dong Wuming was now extremely precious. If anyone dared to trouble Li Xin Tong now, the Old Poisoner would probably go to great lengths to protect her. With such a master as Dong Wuming, Li Lin felt relieved about not having to worry too much about Li Xin Tong in the future.

"Everything went smoothly, without any hindrance," Li Lin said lightly.

"That's good. Next, let's focus on strengthening the Flying Spirit Sect. It's not easy for the Flying Spirit Sect to rise," Dong Wuming stated.

Li Lin nodded slightly. Indeed, it was a long road to elevate the Flying Spirit Sect. Although they now had a super strong figure like Poison Marshal Dong Wuming, it was still far from enough for a sect.

With Poison Marshal Dong Wuming stationed in the Flying Spirit Sect, people would only say that the Flying Spirit Sect had Poison Marshal as its guardian. The day when people say that Poison Marshal Dong Wuming is from the Flying Spirit Sect will signify the sect's rise.

"Eh, they've come quite quickly." At that moment, Dong Wuming looked towards the sky and said.

"What's the matter, Elder Dong?" Li Lin asked.

"It's Du Yunshan from the Ghost Martial Sect. Not many have come, which should be good news for the Flying Spirit Sect. You handle it. I won't get involved. I have some poison techniques to teach Xin Tong," Dong Wuming said, then returned inside with Li Xin Tong.

Li Lin shook his head with a smile, then his expression eased.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

Outside the Flying Spirit Sect, a massive flying beast approached, its large body over a hundred meters long, entirely black as ink, with curved claws and a hooked beak, stirring a massive airflow with a flap of its wings, reaching the level of a third-order flying beast.

"Du Yunshan from the Ghost Martial Sect has come to visit the Flying Spirit Sect."

A voice echoed through the mountains from atop the giant flying beast.

"Please come in, Elder Du." Li Lin had already gone out to the gate to welcome them, knowing that Du Yunshan's politeness towards the Flying Spirit Sect was actually out of respect for Poison Marshal Dong Wuming. Without Dong Wuming, the Flying Spirit Sect might have been annihilated by the Ghost Martial Sect last time.

"Swoosh swoosh swoosh..."

Five figures leapt down from the back of the flying beast and landed in front of Li Lin and several elders of the Flying Spirit Sect. It was Du Yunshan and the same people from the Ghost Martial Sect as last time, aside from Du Yunshan, the other four who had also visited before were at the Martial Spirit level, and the two Martial Generals from last time did not come this time.

Li Lin pondered for a moment, seeing that the Ghost Martial Sect did not intend to take action against the Flying Spirit Sect this time. The visit by Du Yunshan alone was a gesture that the Ghost Martial Sect would not make a move against the Flying Spirit Sect.

"It's Sect Master Li, we've come to disturb you again," Du Yunshan glanced at Li Lin and then smiled slightly.

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"How could it be a disturbance? We were waiting for Elder Du," Li Lin greeted with a bow, saying, "Elder Du, gentlemen, let's talk in the hall. I've already prepared some light refreshments."

"My apologies for the intrusion," Du Yunshan smiled again and then entered the hall with the others.

Inside the hall, everyone took their seats, and the Flying Spirit Sect disciples had already served wine, snacks, and fresh fruits.

"Congratulations, Sect Master Li," Du Yunshan said after everyone was seated.

"On what occasion?" Li Lin smiled faintly.

"Upon returning to the sect, the Sect Master has agreed that from now on, the territory of the Rakshasa Sect will be managed by the Flying Spirit Sect. As for the tribute, the Flying Spirit Sect can give as much as it wishes. From now on, the Flying Spirit Sect and the Ghost Martial Sect are like one family," Du Yunshan said.

"This is indeed good news, thank you, Elder Du," Li Lin hurriedly expressed his gratitude. Poison Marshal Dong Wuming's guess was quite accurate; the Ghost Martial Sect indeed dared not offend a Spirit Marshal.

"Sect Master Li, is that senior from your Flying Spirit Sect present? I came this time specifically to convey the greetings of our Sect Master and Elder Dai to that senior," Du Yunshan scanned the hall and then asked Li Lin.

"The Grand Elder is currently in seclusion preparing for a breakthrough and cannot come out. I will convey your gratitude on behalf of the Grand Elder," Li Lin replied lightly.

"In seclusion for a breakthrough..." The members of the Ghost Martial Sect were immediately startled, their expressions slightly changing.

"In that case, we'll have to visit another time," Du Yunshan sighed inwardly. He had been instructed by his sect to find out who the strong figure in the Flying Spirit Sect was, but now that person was in the midst of a breakthrough. This was somewhat alarming to him; advancing even one level at the Spirit Marshal stage meant a multiple increase in strength, which was absolutely terrifying.

"There will certainly be an opportunity next time," Li Lin said, well aware that the Ghost Martial Sect's current interest lay in identifying the Spirit Marshal within the Flying Spirit Sect. Until they knew who it was, the Ghost Martial Sect probably wouldn't sleep well.

"That's right. Now that the Flying Spirit Sect and the Ghost Martial Sect are one and the same, we are very pleased to have such a strong figure in the Flying Spirit Sect, adding another super-strong figure to our ranks," Du Yunshan said.

"Indeed," Li Lin said lightly, inwardly cursing. The Ghost Martial Sect really had good intentions, trying to tie the Flying Spirit Sect to itself.

"Almost forgot, in three months, it will be the annual sect assembly of the Ghost Martial Sect. Sect Master Li, you must attend. There will also be many other sects present, and we'll introduce you properly then," Du Yunshan said.

"Sect assembly, I'll be there," Li Lin said.

"At the assembly, we also hope that the senior from the Flying Spirit Sect can attend. This is a task given to me by the Sect Master, and if I fail to accomplish it, I will be punished," Du Yunshan smiled slightly at Li Lin.

"The Grand Elder is currently in seclusion for a breakthrough, and we don't know when he will emerge. If the Grand Elder successfully breaks through, I will definitely invite him to the Ghost Martial Sect," Li Lin replied, his expression giving nothing away. He was well aware that the Ghost Martial Sect's aim was Poison Marshal Dong Wuming, and without knowing who the Spirit Marshal of the Flying Spirit Sect was, they would not rest easy.

Du Yunshan's expression changed slightly; he had been pushing, but was met with non-committal responses from Li Lin.

"Then I'll be waiting at the Ghost Martial Sect for both of you. In three months, I hope to see the senior from the Flying Spirit Sect, so I don't get punished," Du Yunshan said, his expression becoming serious. As a Martial General, he was somewhat irritated at being dismissed by a young Sect Master and let out a faint aura of pressure, which he quickly retracted.

"I will do my best to invite the Grand Elder to the Ghost Martial Sect," Li Lin replied nonchalantly, continuing to be evasive. Poison Marshal Dong Wuming's identity was not something that could be revealed just yet, and there was no need to cause a rift with the Ghost Martial Sect at this point.

"Then we'll take our leave now. From now on, we are one and the same, so if the Flying Spirit Sect encounters any trouble, feel free to seek help from the Ghost Martial Sect," Du Yunshan said.

"Thank you, Elder Du," Li Lin feigned gratitude.

After exchanging pleasantries and sending off Du Yunshan and the other four members of the Ghost Martial Sect, Li Lin returned to the main hall.

"What's this Ghost Martial Sect's sect assembly about?" Li Lin asked the elders, as he was not familiar with the Ghost Martial Sect's sect assembly and had refrained from asking too many questions earlier.

"Sect Master, the Ghost Martial Sect holds an annual sect assembly, attended by the outer forces and sects allied with the Ghost Martial Sect. It's the most bustling event within tens of thousands of miles, but I don't know much more than that," Zhou Yuhou said.

"I've heard that the annual sect assembly of the Ghost Martial Sect is the day when the various external forces present their tributes to the Ghost Martial Sect. The Ghost Martial Sect has a total of five allied sects, including the Rakshasa Sect, which was the weakest among them. The other four sects are not weak," Hu Nansheng added.

"How much did the Rakshasa Sect usually contribute to the Ghost Martial Sect each year?" Li Lin inquired.

"I know this. The Rakshasa Sect, with only a territory of a hundred miles, had to pay the Ghost Martial Sect one million gold coins, five mid-grade fourth-level pills, ten low-grade fourth-level pills, and one hundred pills of various third-level grades each year," Zhou Yuhou explained.

"That much?" Li Lin was surprised. One million gold coins, five mid-grade fourth-level pills, ten low-grade fourth-level pills, and one hundred various third-level pills amounted to a huge sum. Mid-grade fourth-level pills were nearly two hundred thousand each, and low-grade fourth-level pills were over a hundred thousand gold coins. Adding it all up, it was nearly seven to eight million gold coins. The Rakshasa Sect had to contribute so much to the Ghost Martial Sect each year, which was indeed terrifying. No wonder he found several fourth-level pills and hundreds of third-level pills on Deng Fengliang. It seemed Deng Fengliang had been preparing for the Ghost Martial Sect's tribute.