Yan Zaizen was within his cabin contemplating his Infinite Chaotic Immersion Art, and he felt that this art could be used for things other than just movement. What if he could send an enemy attack into chaotic space and redirect it? When this thought arrived, he attempted it with Tao but was left sorely disappointed.
The moment an attack unprotected by his qi-essence entered chaotic space, it would be ripped apart in an infinite number of directions. Due to the time difference within, a second was like a minute. Barely anything could survive this.
That being said, it wasn't a complete failure. He could use it to immerse enemy attacks for defense, but when he tried, he realized the strain was incredible. This had to do with his low cultivation base and reserves. The larger the opening into chaotic space, the greater the qi-essence consumption to do so, and this made large, wide-scale attacks difficult to send into chaotic space.
Not to mention, the greater the power he attempted to send through, the higher the qi-essence consumption. This meant it had limited capabilities for now, but the theory left many possibilities that could only be excavated with a higher cultivation base.
For example, things with his qi-essence weren't affected by the chaotic space ripping effect. If he shot an arrow into chaotic space and had it reappear right in front of an enemy, the surprise factor would be unimaginable. For an arrow to suddenly appear an inch from you without any indication, who could defend against such an attack?!
He just needed to get proficient at sending other objects besides himself inside and controlling their exit paths. The level of control was staggeringly high, and he didn't possess it yet.
While he was practicing his art, the others were doing their own things. Tao was currently at the helm of the ship, while Bai Lufeng and Lin Qinlin were absent. Lin Feilin was cultivating in her personal cabin without leaving. As for the two absentees, if one looked closely, they were both in Bai Lufeng's cabin doing god knows what.
What shocked Yan Zaizen was that Bai Lufeng asked him if he could have an Origin Consolidating Pill. It wasn't to use, but for display. Seeing his pathetic begging expression, Yan Zaizen relented. He even decided to give it to him. To Yan Zaizen, an Origin Consolidating Pill didn't have too much value at the moment. He had six after Tao used one, so what's the point of being stingy? If he needed more, he could simply buy them later.
He also found out that an Origin Consolidating Pill could help initial-Origin Core Realm cultivators to progress to the mid-stage. So he gave Tao three for his own usage while keeping the other three for himself. Since he didn't need any at the moment, he gave one to Bai Lufeng.
Because of this, Bai Lufeng and Lin Qinlin were currently engaging in dubious activities. It was only when they arrived within the Water Veil Sect's borders did they exit out of their cabin.
Lin Qinlin had a deep blush on her face and Bai Lufeng's expression was satisfied and content. That being said, Bai Lufeng still had the Origin Consolidating Pill in his possession. He was quite the stingy one.
Yan Zaizen originally felt a little disgusted at both of them, but recalling the cruel nature of the cultivation world such as life within the Deep Mines, he shrugged it off. In there, women and men gave themselves up for far less than an Origin Consolidating Pill. They gave themselves up for a tiny bit of ore to fill their quota for the day.
The continuation of your life didn't hinge on your dignity, but on your willingness to survive at any opportunity possible. He recalled Diyi and how he would've decided to be a slave for 500 years if it meant a chance at survival, unlike her.
Thinking up to here, Yan Zaizen actually felt some respect for Lin Qinlin's decisiveness. For a chance at three thousand additional years, an incredibly high status in the cultivation world, and personal power, she was willing to do this. It was only just for a slight chance, not a guarantee, but that slight chance! That required some hardcore decisiveness. If it worked, the ones who died of old age or weakness because of their pride would certainly not have the last laugh.
Yan Zaizen arrived on the deck, looking at the border of the Water Veil Sect. He was inwardly shocked at the sight. The Water Veil Sect had an actual water curtain that created a demarcation line that differentiated it from the outside territory. It covered hundreds of li of land and formulated a circular line. The water curtain itself was thousands of meters in height with an inch of thickness. The fact that it spanned around the entire border from beginning to end made one marvel at the profoundness of it all.
It wasn't just him who was shocked, even Bai Lufeng and Tao was stunned at the sight. It was as if the entire sect area was covered in an actual water veil. If anything, the sect was true to its name.
Lin Qinlin couldn't help but feel a sense of pride well up inside seeing their stunned expressions. She began to explain, "This is called the Mazu Veil Formation. It spans the entire border and without proper identification, entering would be nearly impossible. With this, even the Solitary Sword Sect or the three great clans would have to ask for permission to enter."
In truth, this formation didn't exist on this scale until their True Essence cultivator emerged recently, but it was still a point of pride. Before, instead of the border, it only surrounded the sect itself. However, with the rise to the True Essence Realm, the things one could do was obviously on a greater scale.
Tao, however, couldn't help but scoff at her remarks. "If it could cover the entirety of the Water Veil Territory, perhaps I'd be impressed, but this formation isn't even larger than the Deep Mine God Formation, nor does its capabilities or scope come remotely close." This may be a profound formation but it was quite insignificant compared to the Deep Mine God Formation. This formation could barely be considered a rank eight, but the Deep Mine God Formation was dubbed a rank nine. It may be only a single rank, but the difference was huge.
Lin Qinlin couldn't help but be shocked and a little infuriated, but she didn't know what the Deep Mine God Formation was, and she felt it'd be slightly inappropriate to argue with an Origin Core cultivator. She kept silent, not wanting to worsen her relations with them and ruining her chances at obtaining that pill. However, inwardly, she cursed Tao's lack of appreciation.
Lin Feilin arrived on the deck soon after, her eyes lit up but also filled with slight worry. After segregating from Yan Zaizen for week or so, she grew more clear-headed. She couldn't help but be worried about her rashness and how she easily believed Yan Zaizen's story. How could she believe Yan Zaizen actually eliminated the Soaring Cloud Sect which stood tall for thousands of years in a single day? She felt it impossible.
However, now she was on this tiger, and it's unlikely she'll be able to get off. If something goes wrong, she'll have to plan for that.
As they approached the water curtain, they stood just a few meters away from it. Tao couldn't help but ask, "How do we enter? Do we just...barge through?" Since he was piloting the skyship at this moment, he truly felt a little lost.
Yan Zaizen's brows furrowed. He knew the main reason as to why he was here - to check on the Yan Clan - but he was a little hesitant because of Lin Feilin's situation. In regards to the Yan Clan's status, when he asked Lin Feilin, she said she wasn't sure. As for Lin Qinlin, she also wasn't of a high enough status to know. She does know, however, that the Yan Clan was indeed captured and brought into the borders.
As for their fate? Unknown.
He was contemplating taking an aggressive route, ignoring Lin Feilin's relations with the Water Veil Sect.
"Wait." Lin Qinlin said, retrieving a talisman and shattering it. This was a transmission talisman, one similar to the one Prince Ren used to contact the Xiāo City Lord. One would place a message within the talisman, shatter it, thereby activating the formation, and a qi transmission would be sent towards a relay formation.
Several minutes later, a young woman with short brown hair appeared outside of the curtain with inquisitive eyes. She inspected the skyship and all those on board. Tao and Bai Lufeng didn't bother to hide their qi cultivation bases, allowing it to seep through and reveal their prowess. This immediately elicited an expression of respect from the young woman.
She exited the curtain, "May I board?" She asked, her tone was filled with neutral respect. This displayed that she wasn't being subservient to the other party simply because of their high cultivation and she had her own pride. Yan Zaizen nodded at her question, but she didn't even take Yan Zaizen seriously. She awaited Bai Lufeng's response.
"..."
"..."
Several dozen seconds passed in awkward silence. They all waited for her to board and she waited for them to give her permission. Yan Zaizen actually felt slightly enraged at her dismissal of his response. He stepped up, speaking loudly, "If you don't wish to board, then no need to ask. Say what you wish to say." Yan Zaizen tone was tyrannical to the apex. Bai Lufeng chuckled and Tao softly shook his head.
The girl was surprised, but after looking at Lin Qinlin, she garnered a little of the situation and realized she offended someone inadvertently. She apologized and attempted to board but was decisively stopped by Bai Lufeng. "Unless our Young Lord says otherwise, remain where you are." His words were domineering as well, and she was stunned silly.
This was the Water Veil Sect territory, who did they think they were? Did they believe themselves invincible because of their cultivation bases? Disgusting. To a True Essence expert, they were ants, and she was backed by one. She looked at Lin Qinlin and her expression turned calm without any neutral respect any longer, her tone even a little rude.
"Lin Qinlin and Lin Feilin, you two are allowed. However, the others must wait outside until we get proper permission and proof of identity." She stated, her voice contained a trace of coldness. Initially, she was going to let them in after some background verification, but if they want to enter? Well, they can wait for a few weeks or even months before permission is granted.
That'll teach them that being arrogant before the Water Veil Sect was beyond their capabilities.
Lin Qinlin's expression paled at their interaction and she had wished this wouldn't occur. She looked at Lin Feilin and motioned her to proceed with her. She looked at Bai Lufeng and apologetically whispered something to him, but Bai Lufeng had a slight smile on his face at all this with no anger present. To him, what was a Water Veil Sect?
Yan Zaizen furrowed his brow at this development. He inquired, "How long will getting this proper permission take?" In truth, Yan Zaizen suspected that with a formation of this size, they must be pretty intense with their security, so waiting actually felt proper. This was also what Lin Qinlin informed them of beforehand, it may take a few hours before entering, but with their cultivation bases revealed, they shouldn't take longer than a few minutes.
However, the young woman had a soft sneer on her face at his question, "It could take a few weeks or even a few months at the latest. Our sect is currently heavily backed up on arrivals." She said, her tone containing a hint of an apology that was obviously false with a hint of mocking.
Yan Zaizen thought for a second, and realized the situation. His eyes flickered with a vicious light.
Tao looked at Yan Zaizen, "What should we do?"
What should they do?
What could they do?!
They weren't here for hugs and cookies!
They weren't here for permission!
THEY WERE HERE FOR HIS CLAN!
He should've done this from the very moment he arrived.
"Simple," his tone contained a trace of tyrannical ferocity filled with imperial dominance, "Let's go see this sect leader of theirs." The moment he said this, his body released soft silver-blue light causing the skyship to be shrouded in the mirage of a beautifully resplendent aurora. His dao aura erupted with a tyrannical ferocity that even caused the young woman to flinch with deep fear.
"Hahahaha! Let's!!!" Bai Lufeng laughed loudly to the heavens, his Origin Core cultivation base fully erupting with the sharpness of daggers and swords. Tao followed suit, the world twirling inwardly with him at the center. He couldn't help but feel infected by Yan Zaizen's and Bai Lufeng rambunctious actions.
Lin Feilin and Lin Qinlin's eyes turned into a needlepoint. The young woman felt something brush past her, and she directly lost consciousness. Her body following straight downwards from mid-air, creating a soft thud from the impact to the ground.
"FORWARD!" Yan Zaizen thundered, his soul cultivation base started to fill with motes of resplendent white lights that caused the aurora to condense to an even greater degree.