Jun Mo intervenes to protect Ye Chen from Zhenyuan Palace, revealing a powerful background. Ye Chen, now Chief Disciple of the Six Paths Sect, encounters Jun Mo and his friends, but one friend, Du Xiaobo, insults Ye Chen and is subsequently disowned by Jun Mo. Afterward, Jun Mo escorts Ye Chen through Southern Saint City and familiarizes him with the area.
“Zhenyuan Palace is magnificent, yet its current sect master is a faithless individual.”
At this moment, Jun Mo gazed upon Zhenyuan Palace, a sigh escaping him as he spoke of the current sect master’s repeated offenses against the Six Paths Sect, a clear disregard for past favors, exposing his inglorious character.
Upon hearing this, Ye Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly. His intention for coming here was to meet the current sect master of Zhenyuan Palace, hoping to reclaim the other half of the Sacred Origin Heart from their possession.
Just then, Ye Chen suddenly detected a surge of activity from within the Samsara Graveyard. His consciousness plunged into the graveyard, witnessing the Dust-falling Dragon Subduing Sword in a frenzied dance, bathed in the Blood Moon’s light as if transforming into a dragon of blood.
“What is occurring?”
Ye Chen’s heart fluttered; the Dust-falling Dragon Subduing Sword would not react so dramatically without cause. This sword, a legacy from Senior Ren, acting in such a manner now might signal an imminent, significant event.
In the very next instant, a beam of spiritual light erupted from the Dust-falling Dragon Subduing Sword, beckoning Ye Chen forward.
Ye Chen’s eyes gleamed with newfound clarity, and without a moment’s hesitation, he turned to look behind him.
“What troubles you?”
Jun Mo observed Ye Chen’s peculiar reaction and inquired, unable to suppress his curiosity.
“It is nothing significant.”
Ye Chen shook his head, his gaze profound, yet fixed resolutely ahead as the guiding spiritual light from the Dust-falling Dragon Subduing Sword directed his path.
Then, with unwavering resolve, Ye Chen advanced, following the direction indicated by the guiding spiritual light. He navigated through several narrow alleys and, unexpectedly, found himself standing before the main entrance of Zhenyuan Palace.
“Why have you come here?”
Jun Mo expressed his surprise, looking at Ye Chen.
Ignoring Jun Mo’s question, Ye Chen’s focus was instead drawn to the imposing statue positioned directly in front of Zhenyuan Palace’s gates.
It depicted a majestic golden dragon, situated before the entrance of Zhenyuan Palace, appearing poised to ascend into the heavens and traverse the cosmos. The sculptor’s identity remained unknown, but the statue possessed an astonishing lifelike quality, as if imbued with true spirit.
The resplendent golden aura emanating from the golden dragon statue seemed to sweep across all existence, exuding a formidable dragon might that permeated the surrounding atmosphere. Its form was adorned with patterns resembling the Blood Moon.
“Blood Moon…”
Ye Chen’s eyes deepened in contemplation; the sudden commotion from the Dust-falling Dragon Subduing Sword was precisely to draw his attention to this very statue. What could this signify?
“What is this statue?”
Ye Chen couldn’t help but question Jun Mo, having already discerned the statue’s profound nature, possibly holding a connection to Senior Ren.
“This?”
Jun Mo glanced at the Golden Dragon Statue, then at Ye Chen with a flicker of suspicion, uncertain why Ye Chen was so intently observing it.
Despite his own curiosity, Jun Mo readily answered Ye Chen’s question.
“This statue was erected by the Southern Saint in ages past. It is revered as the supreme guardian of Southern Saint City and Zhenyuan Palace.”
“Legend dictates that during a moment of dire peril for Zhenyuan Palace, the statue itself intervened, eradicating the sect master and several elders of the invading sect in an instant.”
Jun Mo’s eyes glinted; to annihilate enemies so directly, if the legend held true, the statue’s power was undeniably immense, fitting for Zhenyuan Palace’s divine protector.
“Guardian God?”
Ye Chen expressed his surprise at this revelation; the statue appeared inanimate, merely possessing a more awe-inspiring and lifelike presence than other effigies.
Driven by suspicion, Ye Chen extended his hand and made contact with the Golden Dragon Statue. The moment his fingers touched its surface, an overwhelming surge of power descended abruptly.
“What is happening!”
Ye Chen’s countenance shifted dramatically as the world seemed to spin, his consciousness forcibly pulled away. In the ensuing moment, he found himself beneath an immense, star-filled sky illuminated by a crimson glow.
“Where am I…”
Shock registered on Ye Chen’s face as he realized he was within an alternate dimension. The crimson light pervading the sky felt intensely familiar; it was unmistakably the power of the Blood Moon.
“Oh? You have arrived.”
At that precise moment, Ye Chen distinctly heard a voice he recognized. Looking upwards, he beheld Ren Feifan descending gracefully from the heavens, accompanied by a golden dragon.
The dragon radiated an aura of immensity, its draconic might fierce, and the Blood Moon patterns etched upon its form pulsed with boundless power. Its gaze upon Ye Chen held a discernible trace of warmth.
This golden dragon bore an exact resemblance to the guardian statue outside, suggesting it was likely the statue’s spiritual essence.
“Senior Ren, why are you present here?”
Seeing Ren Feifan, Ye Chen couldn't conceal his astonishment.
“This is merely a manifestation of spiritual energy I left behind in ancient times.”
Ren Feifan, meeting Ye Chen’s gaze, offered a placid smile. “Furthermore, I conjured this space. Even Zhenyuan Palace’s guardian god was born from my sword intent; why would I not be here?”
Ren Feifan's declaration left Ye Chen even more astonished; it turned out the guardian statue was conjured from Senior Ren's own sword intent. This contradicted the common understanding that the statue was a legacy from the Southern Saint.
Without hesitation, Ye Chen voiced his confusion, prompting Ren Feifan to respond with a calm smile, elaborating on the intricate history.
It was revealed that the Southern Saint's martial prowess was actually inspired by observing Ren Feifan's combat and absorbing knowledge from his techniques.
Ren Feifan, recognizing the Southern Saint's exceptional potential, showed him favor. While not formally accepting him as a disciple, Ren Feifan bestowed a sliver of his sword intent upon the Southern Saint, intended for study and comprehension of his profound abilities.
This sword intent remained with the Southern Saint throughout his life. Over an extended period, it spontaneously developed a consciousness, eventually solidifying into the dragon statue. Before departing the temple, the Southern Saint bequeathed this statue, which subsequently ascended to become the revered guardian deity of Zhenyuan Palace.
"Have you affiliated yourself with the Six Paths Sect now?"
Ren Feifan's gaze fell upon Ye Chen's current attire, a hint of amusement touching his eyes as he posed the question.
"Indeed," Ye Chen replied with a casual shrug.
"Since you are now part of the Six Paths Sect, some friction may arise at Zhenyuan Palace. However, Xiao Jin will lend you support, so act as you see fit there," Ren Feifan stated with a nonchalant tone.
He then fixed his gaze on Ye Chen, gesturing with his sleeve, and added, "Your progress in cultivation realms is still too gradual; you must accelerate."
"I understand," Ye Chen responded, his eyes sharpening with resolve as he gave a solemn affirmation.
Shortly after, Ren Feifan's form flickered and vanished from the immediate space, leaving behind only the resplendent golden dragon that had previously enveloped him.
Gazing at the magnificent golden dragon, identified by Ren Feifan as Xiao Jin, Ye Chen felt a peculiar sensation.
The golden dragon cast a nostalgic glance towards the spot where Ren Feifan had disappeared before its luminous eyes turned to meet Ye Chen's.
"I can detect the aura of the Blood Moon Slaughter Sky Slash emanating from you," the golden dragon announced. Its voice, imbued with immense dragon might, resonated deeply, akin to the resounding pronouncements of a celestial Buddha echoing through the Nine Heavens.
The dragon's golden eyes intently observed Ye Chen. "I find you quite agreeable; should you ever face adversity, do not hesitate to seek my aid."
"Thank you, Senior Golden Dragon," Ye Chen replied respectfully, clasping his fist. He acknowledged that while this golden dragon was born from sword intent, its achieved sentience made it deserving of the title 'senior'.
