Chapter 73: Dou Zong, Yun Shan
In the Jia Ma Empire, at the Yun Lan Sect's forbidden grounds...
When Yun Shan revealed his suspicions about the intruder's origins, Protector Wu from the Soul Hall was momentarily startled but quickly composed himself. As the sect leader of Yun Lan Sect, Yun Shan had likely come across remnants or records left by Yun Po Tian, which explained his knowledge of the Soul Hall.
"Heh heh heh, since you know my background, Yun Shan, do you still intend to resist?" Protector Wu sneered, his gaze filled with disdain.
To the Soul Hall, the Yun Lan Sect was no more than an ant, one he could crush at any time.
Although Yun Shan was angered by the man's contempt, he didn't show it. Strength was everything on the Dou Qi Continent, and he was no match for this intruder.
"What brings you from thousands of miles away to my Yun Lan Sect?" Yun Shan asked, suppressing his anger and enduring the oppressive aura emanating from Protector Wu.
Satisfied that Yun Shan was restraining himself, Protector Wu withdrew his aura and smiled. "It seems Sect Leader Yun is wise enough to understand the situation. In that case, I'll be direct.
By now, you should realize that relying solely on your own cultivation, you will never break through Dou Huang and reach Dou Zong in this lifetime, correct?"
Though Yun Shan didn't want to admit it, he had tried numerous times and was acutely aware of his dwindling lifespan. Without external help, his chances of breaking through to Dou Zong were nonexistent.
"So what if that's true?" Yun Shan replied, his tone steady.
"Heh heh heh, it's simple. I am a Protector of the Soul Hall, and we possess a secret technique that can help individuals rapidly advance their cultivation. With my assistance, becoming a Dou Zong will be as easy as flipping a hand.
The question is, are you willing to accept my help?" Protector Wu laughed wickedly, waiting for Yun Shan's response.
There was no such thing as a free meal, and Yun Shan knew it. Moreover, judging by the intruder's domineering demeanor, it was clear he wouldn't leave without getting what he wanted.
If he refused, Protector Wu could destroy the entire Yun Lan Sect. Yun Shan felt trapped, torn between saving himself and protecting his sect's legacy.
"And if I refuse?" Yun Shan asked, unwilling to give in so easily.
"Heh heh heh, refuse? It seems you're unfamiliar with the methods of the Soul Hall in your remote corner of the northwest. If that's the case, I don't mind destroying the Yun Lan Sect to set an example for others. Perhaps then, those who don't understand their place will see our power," Protector Wu said, his aura flaring ominously, as though he was ready to obliterate everything.
"Wait!" Yun Shan's heart raced. He could sense that Protector Wu had the strength to annihilate the entire Yun Lan Sect on his own.
"Oh? Is Sect Leader Yun reconsidering?" Protector Wu asked, smiling as if his earlier murderous intent had never existed.
"What is it you want?" Yun Shan demanded. "You wouldn't go to such lengths to help me break through to Dou Zong without an ulterior motive. Let me make it clear: I will agree to cooperation, but I will not accept enslavement! The Yun Lan Sect will not become anyone's puppet."
"Heh heh heh, cooperation? Very well, let's call it that," Protector Wu replied with a smirk. "As for what I require from you, it's nothing for now. The Soul Hall has its principles. I will help you break through to Dou Zong first, and when the time comes, I'll let you know what I need from you."
Yun Shan clenched his fists but nodded. "Fine. I'll accept your help. If you need assistance in the future, I'll help as long as it's within reason."
"Excellent! Sect Leader Yun truly knows how to adapt to the circumstances. They say those who recognize the times are wise; let's hope our 'cooperation' is fruitful," Protector Wu said, taking out a soul fragment from his storage ring and tossing it to Yun Shan.
"This is a soul fragment. Think of it as a miraculous elixir. Absorb it, and you'll achieve your breakthrough in no time."
Yun Shan examined the soul fragment cautiously. Finding nothing suspicious, he nodded and said, "Fine. I'll trust you this once."
He then sat cross legged and began to absorb the energy within.
Seeing Yun Shan enter a meditative state, Protector Wu sneered internally. "Absorb it all. The Soul Hall never does anything without ensuring complete control. Once you're done, your life and death will be entirely in my hands."
Back in the Jia Ma Empire's capital, at the Xiao family's old residence...
Xiao Tiance sat leisurely by a window, sipping tea as he admired the moonlit sky. He pondered to himself, "Xiao Yan is the key figure in my backup plan. Nothing must happen to him. While I can let him grow freely during the early stages, I'll have to apply pressure later. Romantic distractions will only slow his cultivation.
Fortunately, he's deeply emotional. As long as the overarching direction remains unchanged, with a few added challenges, he'll likely surpass his original path and reach Dou Di faster."
Having made up his mind, Xiao Tiance decided to tweak Xiao Yan's journey to success.
Time flew by. A month later, in the Yun Lan Sect's forbidden grounds...
Yun Shan finally broke through to the Dou Zong level. Feeling the immense transformation in his body, he laughed heartily. "Hahaha! A Dou Zong! The difference between Dou Huang and Dou Zong is like heaven and earth!"
Just then, Protector Wu reappeared, smiling as he said, "Congratulations, Sect Leader Yun, on becoming a Dou Zong. Truly a cause for celebration!"
Yun Shan narrowed his eyes, sensing that Protector Wu's aura was at the three star Dou Zong level. However, with the Soul Hall's secret techniques, he likely had strength equivalent to a five star Dou Zong, making him a formidable opponent.
Noticing Yun Shan's appraisal, Protector Wu laughed. "Heh heh heh, does Sect Leader Yun wish to test my strength?"
Though Yun Shan was tempted, he ultimately dismissed the idea upon seeing Protector Wu's confidence.
"Of course not. Protector Wu, you've misunderstood me. Since I've accepted your help and successfully broken through to Dou Zong, we're now allies. If you ever need my assistance, feel free to ask," Yun Shan replied with a polite smile.
"Heh heh heh, Sect Leader Yun is a man of his word. I was hoping to witness Yun Po Tian's self created technique, Wind's Extreme Annihilation, but I suppose it'll have to wait.
For now, I'll take my leave. Cultivate in peace. When the time comes, I'll return with a task for you," Protector Wu said, his figure shrouded in black mist as he disappeared into the distance.
Watching Protector Wu leave, Yun Shan scoffed. "No wonder the Soul Hall is feared across the Central Plains. Even a mere Protector possesses such strength. The Yun Lan Sect is no match for them."
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