As Meng Guan and He Song were deep in conversation within the palace, He Song noticed something unusual about the Huan Xue Patriarch of the Fengxue Palace.
The patriarch seemed to be carefully observing him from afar, almost furtively.
This observation stirred something in He Song's mind.
He immediately felt that his earlier decision to distance himself from the Huan Xue Patriarch had been the right choice.
If not for that, two newly acquainted cultivators of the Yuan Ying stage would not have acted so suspiciously toward each other.
He Song kept his thoughts to himself, pretending not to notice the patriarch's subtle actions. Instead, he gradually joined in idle chatter with the Huan Xue Patriarch and Zi Yun Patriarch under Meng Guan's lead.
As time passed, more Yuan Ying-stage cultivators arrived from outside.
Several new individuals appeared in the hall where He Song and others were seated.
Some of these newcomers hailed from nearby sects such as Jin She Sect and Ming Dao Sect.
Others had traveled from distant regions.
However, those who came from far away usually brought along several young disciples, most of whom were at the Zifu or even Jindan stage.
It was likely that their elders had brought them here to broaden their horizons.
He Song paid little attention to these individuals, only occasionally speaking with the nearby Zi Yun Patriarch and Meng Guan and Huan Xue Patriarch.
For the most part, he sat quietly, watching the events unfold before him.
When the grand enthronement ceremony finally began, announced personally by Meng Guan, the atmosphere reached its peak.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the ceremony took place, officially marking Meng Guan as the ruler of the Yiyang Sect.
At this moment, Meng Guan truly became the leader of the Yiyang Sect, firmly grasping control over the vast Yuan Ying-stage sect that had existed for countless years.
During the ceremony, He Song remained vigilant beside Meng Guan, witnessing everything that transpired.
As Meng Guan declared himself the ruler of the Yiyang Sect, many eyes converged on him, memorizing his appearance.
From this day forward, Meng Guan became one of the people not to be offended around the Yiyang Sect. Naturally, many also turned their gaze toward He Song.
But He Song understood that these looks were directed at him simply because he was a Yuan Ying-stage cultivator and had close ties with the current leadership of the Yiyang Sect.
With Meng Guan's announcement, the enthronement ceremony truly reached its climax.
A great amount of rare treasures, spiritual flowers, and fruits were swiftly brought out by the Yiyang Sect's cultivators and placed before every participant.
These cultivators had traveled thousands of miles to attend the ceremony, not merely to see what Meng Guan looked like. The presence of these treasures was precisely why they had come so far.
Although each person received only a small portion of these items, consuming them could still significantly enhance their cultivation.
For He Song, a Yuan Ying-stage cultivator, these items had minimal effect.
However, for those at the Lianqi or Zifu stages, eating these treasures satisfied their cravings and boosted their cultivation.
Thus, these low-level cultivators willingly traveled far distances to participate in the ceremony.
Otherwise, they would not have cared about the change in leadership at the Yiyang Sect, as their cultivation levels placed them far below the threshold of such matters.
Fortunately, their presence made the ceremony livelier and ensured that word of the event spread quickly. Therefore, the Yiyang Sect meticulously arranged various affairs for them within the sect.
The banquet continued for several days, allowing all participants to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Only then did it conclude.
Following the ceremony, numerous large-scale exchange gatherings began within the Yiyang Sect.
Whether they were Lianqi, Zifu, or Jindan-stage cultivators, they could find gatherings suited to their level within the sect. During these grand exchanges, they could trade their possessions for various treasures with others.
Previously, He Song had looked forward to such events during various grand gatherings.
However, now that he had truly become a Yuan Ying-stage cultivator and learned about the nature of Yuan Ying-stage exchanges, he lost much of his interest in these events.
Although Yuan Ying-stage exchanges were indeed being held, the number of participants was extremely limited.
This time, only about ten or so Yuan Ying-stage cultivators had come to the Yiyang Sect for the enthronement ceremony. Even including their accompanying junior disciples, the total number would not exceed a hundred.
Under such circumstances, Yuan Ying-stage exchanges naturally seemed quite meager.
Faced with this situation, He Song originally had no intention of participating. After all, if he wished, he could purchase many of the treasures he needed from the Ju Bao Pavilion using spirit stones. However, he could not refuse Meng Guan's invitation.
Thus, he reluctantly entered the Yuan Ying-stage exchange gathering.
The venue for this Yuan Ying-stage exchange gathering remained the same palace where He Song and others had previously stayed.
All Yuan Ying-stage cultivators simply needed to place their desired exchange items on the high platform within the palace and clearly indicate what they wished to trade for.
They could then relax and wait nearby or browse other offerings. With the Yiyang Sect backing them, even if something went wrong during the event, the sect would never allow the attending Yuan Ying-stage cultivators to suffer losses.
Therefore, this Yuan Ying-stage exchange gathering seemed rather straightforward.
However, those presenting their items to trade with others remained steadfastly beside their offerings.
This was not due to distrust of the Yiyang Sect but because, even if the sect wanted to compensate, it might lack the exact item they sought.
In that case, compensation would only come in the form of equal-value spirit stones.
Under these circumstances, to prevent their treasures from being stolen while receiving only spirit stones in return, these Yuan Ying-stage cultivators naturally became very cautious.
Fortunately, this time He Song entered the venue together with Meng Guan. Facing the host sect, these Yuan Ying-stage cultivators were all amiable, each offering various treasures to exchange for something desirable.
Seeing this, Meng Guan naturally approached to foster some rapport.
As for He Song, he casually strolled through the palace, inspecting its contents. Finding nothing of interest, he prepared to leave.
However, just as He Song entertained this thought, a voice suddenly sounded.
"Brother Cang Song, may I speak with you in private?"
Upon hearing this, He Song followed the sound and saw Huan Xue Patriarch smiling faintly at him. No other cultivators were looking in his direction.
Realizing that Huan Xue Patriarch's words seemed to be a mental communication, He Song's expression flickered slightly, but he did not reveal anything. He merely nodded slightly and followed the patriarch.
Huan Xue Patriarch's cultivation remained at the early Yuan Ying stage.
Although her power had greatly increased since breaking through to the Yuan Ying stage, she had yet to approach the mid-Yuan Ying stage.
Thus, He Song genuinely harbored no fear of her.
Had it not been for the fact that they were within the Yiyang Sect, He Song might have summoned Qing Feng and attacked her directly alongside himself.
With Qing Feng's late Yuan Ying-stage strength and He Song's early Yuan Ying-stage support, the Huan Xue Patriarch would not even have had a chance to escape.
In the face of such an opponent, He Song naturally felt no concern.
Moreover, this was the Yiyang Sect, surrounded by many Yuan Ying-stage cultivators. He Song truly believed that the Huan Xue Patriarch would not lose her wits and attack him under such circumstances.
Carrying this mindset, He Song followed her.
Soon, she led him to a platform outside the palace.
She waved her hand to set up a soundproofing barrier around them.
Looking at He Song, Huan Xue Patriarch's eyes reflected a trace of emotion.
"You might be meeting me for the first time."
"But many years ago, we lived as neighbors for a period."
Huan Xue Patriarch paused briefly here.
Seeing He Song remain silent, she continued.
"Do you remember the Cang Lan Secret Realm?"
"At that time, your cultivation was at the Jindan stage, while I secretly consolidated my Yuan Ying cultivation within the Cang Lan Secret Realm."
"Occasionally, when near you, I caught glimpses of your actions."
"I admired your prudence."
"Unfortunately,"
"Later, I don't know what happened, but you mysteriously disappeared."
"After that, I never saw you again."
"But today, I see that you have successfully broken through to the Yuan Ying stage and are a long-time friend of the new Yiyang Sect leader."
"This transformation leaves me in awe."
"It has been many years since we last met. That cautious Jindan-stage cultivator has now successfully advanced to the Yuan Ying stage, and their status is now unrecognizable."
As Huan Xue Patriarch spoke, she shook her head repeatedly, seemingly having never imagined that He Song would appear before her again today.
However, as Huan Xue Patriarch mentioned this matter, He Song felt immense relief.
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness.
Thank goodness that he had quietly left the Cang Lan Secret Realm after sensing something amiss.
He then arrived within the Jin She Sect's domain and hid in a secluded area for many years.
Otherwise,
Once this Huan Xue Patriarch had fully consolidated their Yuan Ying cultivation,
Who knows what they would have done to him back then.
After all, Jindan-stage cultivators, though powerful, were no match for Yuan Ying-stage cultivators. They were essentially like ants in the latter's hands.
If Huan Xue Patriarch had desired, He Song would have had no way to escape.
In other words,
If Huan Xue Patriarch had done anything to He Song back then,
With He Song's capabilities at that time, there would have been absolutely no resistance.
Not even the ability to flee.
Under such circumstances, if Huan Xue Patriarch had taken He Song under their wing or invited him to join the Fengxue Sect after consolidating their cultivation,
He Song would have had no chance of breaking through to the Yuan Ying stage today.
Under the watchful eye of a Yuan Ying-stage cultivator,
He Song's progress would have been extremely slow.
He would not have had the opportunities he currently possessed.
Nor would he be as free as he is now.
Even worse, if He Song had stayed too long in the Fengxue Sect or by Huan Xue Patriarch's side,
His secret as a longevity cultivator might have eventually been exposed.
And if that happened,
He Song would truly face a life worse than death.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, He Song's gaze toward Huan Xue Patriarch carried a deeper meaning.
Although Huan Xue Patriarch had invited him here and said nothing that significantly affected him,
And Huan Xue Patriarch had never truly mentioned whether they harbored intentions of bringing He Song under their command,
Based on He Song's speculation, Huan Xue Patriarch must have considered such an idea.
After all, at that time, Huan Xue Patriarch had already broken through to the Yuan Ying stage.
They were merely consolidating their cultivation and unable to spare time.
Moreover, at that time, the Fengxue Sect had only one Jindan-stage cultivator among its members.
Discovering He Song, a wild Jindan-stage cultivator, in such a remote place like the Cang Lan Secret Realm, how could they not be tempted?
Perhaps Huan Xue Patriarch had planned to invite He Song to join the Fengxue Sect once they emerged from seclusion.
Unfortunately,
Back then, He Song fled swiftly.
Now, He Song had reached the Yuan Ying stage and was a close friend of the new Yiyang Sect leader.
They could no longer be easily controlled as before.
Thus, Huan Xue Patriarch refrained from mentioning this idea.
Instead, they claimed to have been neighbors with He Song in the past, hoping to build a closer relationship. (End of Chapter)