Chapter 3: Entering the Sect
Disciple, you are now a disciple of my Demon Sect and may choose which cultivation method to specialize in. Our Demon Sect originates from ancient times, and the sect master has practiced the Heavenly Demon Secret Canon for generations. As my disciple, in addition to the Heavenly Demon Secret Canon, you may freely choose any cultivation method you prefer
"Wait a moment, I can't fly. Would Brother Qi mind giving me a ride?" Yang Yifeng asked with a smile
Rest assured, I will live here from now on. After all, there is plenty of time, so I can choose and look slowly. Yang Yifeng replied happily. Yang Yifeng had long been extremely curious about these cultivation techniques, and now he could finally fulfill his long-held wish, so he readily agreed.
What does it matter? Power itself has no distinction between good and evil; it depends on the person wielding it. Cultivating immortality emphasizes following the will of heaven and achieving unity with nature. The demonic path, on the other hand, advocates for self-indulgence and acting according to one's whims. In comparison, the demonic path suits my taste better. What is so great about heaven? Why should I conform to it? Yang Yifeng replied, and these are naturally Yang Yifeng's own interpretations
"Brother Yang, if you do not mind the smallness of the Demon Sect's temple, would you be willing to join our Demon Sect?" Qiye asked, his eyes brightening as he inquired tentatively
Without saying a word, Qi Ye took Yang Yifeng and flew into the sky, heading towards the outskirts of the Monster Beast Forest. It must be said that Qi Ye's visit to the Monster Beast Forest was a coincidence, as he was in the process of refining a "Returning Essence Pill" and was just short of a high-level monster's inner core. Thus, he came here and happened to encounter that 7th-level monster, leading to a confrontation. Their battle unexpectedly scared away the earth giant python that had been relentlessly pursuing Yang Yifeng, intending to devour him as a feast. This indirectly saved Yang Yifeng's life. This is also a form of fate; the depths of the Monster Beast Forest have long been devoid of human presence. If it weren't for such a coincidence that Qi Ye happened to pass by, it is likely that Yang Yifeng's life would have been lost here.
Ah, I have always acted according to my own desires. I do not wish to sit and chat intimately with a junior; it feels rather awkward. That is how it is. I am the leader of the Demon Sect, and I am still capable of making such decisions.
"Great! I was just thinking the same thing. I saw Brother Qi flying with his sword, looking so carefree. I've long wanted to become his disciple and learn the art of swordsmanship," Yang Yifeng replied happily.
Good! Follow me..." Qiye replied, and after speaking, he brandished his sword and was about to fly up.
"Come with me," said Qi Ye as he led Yang Yifeng into a canyon. Pointing at one of the cliffs, he said, "This is the藏典阁 of my Demon Sect, where the martial arts techniques left by our ancestors are stored. Only the Sect Master and the Elders can open this door, and it also contains numerous techniques from various sects for reference, to know oneself and one's enemy." As he spoke, he performed a spiritual incantation towards the wall, and a large door opened in the stone wall, wide enough for three people to pass through. Yang Yifeng followed Qi Ye inside. Inside the藏典阁, there were numerous jade slips stacked one after another, filling an entire mountain cavity, even more magnificent than when Yang Yifeng admired the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang in his youth.
"However, our Demon Sect has a poor reputation outside, often referred to as heretical and evil. Does Brother Yang mind this?" Qiye hesitated to ask
Yang Yifeng unexpectedly replied, "Oh? How can this be? I..."
However, in Yang Yifeng's view, this corridor appears unremarkable. In reality, this corridor is an ancient mystical formation. If one lacks the requisite talent or disposition, or harbors ulterior motives, those with doubts about the Demon Sect who traverse this corridor will face unimaginable consequences. This corridor is the key to the Demon Sect's inner discipleship!
Good, what a reason to go along with it, down this cup! Haha—what a relief m.hetushu.com! Seven Nights downed this full cup of wine, letting the liquid spill without wiping it up, "In that case, Brother Yang, let us return to the headquarters of the Demon Sect together."
Ah, so many. Can I look around freely? But isn't this place only accessible to the sect master and elders? I have just joined the sect, haven't I?" Yang Yifeng asked hesitantly
"Seventh Brother, good morning. Who are these people?" Seventh Night had not yet spoken. One among the nine burst into laughter, "Haha—good, truly extraordinary. With such cultivation, you remain at ease even under our pressure. Good! I have no objections; welcome, young brother, to join the Demon Sect."
Qiye was the first human Yang Yifeng encountered since arriving at the Xuanming Continent, and the feeling Qiye gave Yang Yifeng was as if they had known each other for a long time, which is what is referred to as a mutual appreciation of hearts
"Is what Brother Yang said true? Then why do you possess the cultivation of a fasting period?" Qi Ye asked curiously. Qi Ye's expression was merely one of curiosity, not doubt, because he understood that someone as proud and transcendent as Yang Yifeng would not lie in these matters. At least, he would not deceive him; this was intuition.
The elders of the Demon Sect smiled in unison upon seeing Yang Yifeng easily pass through the corridor. To traverse this corridor with such ease foretells an extraordinary future. The addition of such talent is indeed a blessing for the Demon Sect
The initiation ceremony was quite simple. In the presence of the nine elders, one bowed nine times in reverence to the ancestors of the Demon Sect. After that, one passed through a corridor that Yang Yifeng found very straightforward, and that marked the end of the ceremony, which was not at all as extravagant as that of the righteous sects.
Upon entering the hall, Yang Yifeng saw Qiye sitting in the center, surrounded by nine individuals. Each of these nine exuded an astonishing aura. As soon as Yang Yifeng stepped into the hall, he felt a wave of oppressive energy emanating from them. However, Yang Yifeng paid it no mind, as his state of mind was currently flawless, devoid of joy or sorrow. Moreover, after the transformation brought about by the Dragon Whisker Fruit, the presence of those present could not exert the slightest pressure on him.
Upon arriving at the Demon Sect, Qiye arranged for Yang Yifeng to stay in a bamboo house on the back mountain of the main peak, instructing him to rest well before hastily returning to handle internal affairs of the sect
"I like swords. What is the best sword cultivation method in the Demon Sect?" Yang Yifeng pondered for a moment and asked
For such a genius, one must either win them over, at the very least become friends, or destroy them! Thus, Qiye asked, "Brother Yang, do you have any plans?"
In the secular world, within a tavern in the capital of the State of Chu, Yang Yifeng and Qiye sat facing each other. The table was adorned with several plates of appetizers, which had hardly been touched, as if they had just been served. However, the more than 10 bottles of wine on the table indicated that Yang Yifeng and Qiye had been seated for quite some time. They were engaged in lively conversation, toasting each other, and drinking with great enjoyment. Qiye's hearty laughter occasionally echoed from the upper floor down to the lower level, yet the guests below seemed oblivious, continuing to eat and drink. Even if they had heard it, so what? Those who could ascend to the upper floor were all dignitaries and nobles, and none of these common folk dared to offend them. Especially since the laughter came from the third floor, they were even less inclined to provoke them.
This is the Xuanming Star and the Xuanming Continent, which is the only continent in the world along with some overseas islands. The land area accounts for 2/5, while the sea covers 3/5. However, the Xuanming Star is incredibly vast, at least ten thousand times larger than Earth. Moreover, the spiritual energy on the Xuanming Star is abundant, and the cultivation civilizations that have vanished from Earth due to the depletion of spiritual energy are quite prevalent on the Xuanming Continent. There are various forms of cultivation, including immortality, demonic cultivation, monster cultivation, and Buddhist cultivation. Qi Ye is the leader of the Demon Sect, which is one of the three major leaders of the demonic path. The other two sects are the Forgetting Emotion Demon Palace and the Demon King Hall. However, it must be said that these two sects cannot be compared to the Demon Sect at all. The Demon Sect is a major sect passed down from ancient times, and in terms of resources and cultivation methods, it is far superior to the other two sects. Among the top ten experts of the demonic path, the names of the Six Demon Lords resonate throughout the cultivation world, three of whom are from the Demon Sect. The other three include one from the Forgetting Emotion Demon Palace, who is the palace master, and the other two are loose cultivators. This means that among the top ten experts of the demonic path, three are from the Demon Sect. In the righteous path, each of the seven righteous sects has one expert, while the others are also loose cultivators. One can imagine how powerful the Demon Sect is.
The two enjoyed a lively conversation over drinks. In the dialogue between Qi Ye and Yang Yifeng, one could tell from his words and actions that he was certainly not an ordinary person. With a little guidance, his future achievements would likely surpass his own.
On the second day, Yang Yifeng got up early and was about to step outside to breathe in some fresh air. Just as he reached the door, he saw a young boy approaching. "Mr. Yang, the sect leader has instructed me to take you to the main hall, please follow me."
"My junior brother from the Seven Nights, of course, has this privilege. This is the spiritual incantation to open this door. Your cultivation level is sufficient to unlock it, and this token is also essential. However, the incantation must not be shared with others," said Seven Nights domineeringly.
Disciple, this is the most domineering swordsmanship of our Demon Sect, the "Demonic Shadow Sword Technique." The evil shadow sword I unleashed last time originated from this technique. However, I am only a supplementary practitioner and cannot cultivate the higher-level sword techniques contained within it, as one must specialize in their own field. This shelf to the south is filled with the Demon Sect's classics; aside from the cultivation methods practiced by the sect leader, it contains a comprehensive collection. To the north lies the majority of the classics from various other sects, excluding the Demon Sect's texts, which also includes many superior techniques. You are free to choose and view at your leisure.
Yang Yifeng and Qiye have been drinking and conversing for 2 hours. During this time, Yang Yifeng cautiously shared with Qiye his strange origins and previous experiences in the forest, concealing many things he did not wish to disclose, as he felt it was unnecessary. Meanwhile, Qiye provided him with a general overview of this world.
"Not yet, I just arrived here not long ago, and I am unfamiliar with the place," Yang Yifeng replied, shaking his head.
Yang Yifeng naturally had no objections and returned to the headquarters of the Demon Sect—Soul Refining Mountain—with Qiye. Although it is referred to as a mountain, it is more accurately described as a circular mountain range, with the sect's main hall situated atop a towering peak at the very center of this circular formation. Those with discernment would recognize that this terrain is not only easy to defend and difficult to attack, but it also forms a naturally occurring grand formation that thoroughly protects the entire Demon Sect.
Brother Seven, if you don't mind the repetition, shall we find a place to talk slowly?
"Unknown Yang brothers, from which school or sect do you come? Who is your esteemed master, capable of teaching such outstanding disciples? Surely, your master's name must be quite renowned?" asked Qiye.
"Seventh Brother, I have no sect and no master. I am merely an unknown nobody," Yang Yifeng replied
Qiye then spoke: "These several individuals are still the nine great elders of our Demon Sect, who have worked hard and achieved great merit. Originally, to enter the Demon Sect, one must undergo a three-year assessment in the outer sect before being allowed to study the profound and secret techniques of our inner sect. However, since it was proposed by the sect master, you only need to pass the test of the nine elders who protect the teachings within the sect. Indeed, you have not disappointed me, my dear brother. From now on, you, Yang Yifeng, will be the 37th disciple of our Demon Sect. I will take you as my apprentice on behalf of the master, and from now on, you may call me senior brother!"