Nine Transformations of the True Spirit.

Chen Yuan clasped his hands in return: "My name is Chen Yuan. Strictly speaking, I am a fellow disciple of Fellow Daoist Han."

Yuan Shuheng interjected, "This matter is a long story. Fellow Daoist Chen is not a cultivator from the Spirit Realm. I will explain it to my senior brother later."

Han Xuan raised an eyebrow and gave Chen Yuan a deep look: "Then I, Han, am all ears."

He then looked at Lin Huai and the other dragon people: "Who are these fellow Daoists...?"

Knowing Han Xuan's reputation, the dragon-human cultivators naturally dared not be negligent and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him respectfully.

Han Xuan then gestured to the dragon-human cultivators beside him: "This is Fellow Daoist Zhu Haichao, the chief of the Canglu tribe, and this is Fellow Daoist Lan Yunhai, an elder of the Canglu tribe..."

"They also have their hearts set on our Spirit Realm human race, which is a good opportunity for them to get closer to you fellow Daoists."

Zhu Haichao clasped his hands in a bow, looked at the dragon-bird on Lin Huai's shoulder, and said with a smile, "I have long admired Fellow Daoist Lin's name. Meeting you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

Lin Huai returned the greeting and said, "To be honest, I once visited Fuyang City. Amidst the endless yellow sand, the oasis was lush and beautiful, and the scenery was magnificent and unforgettable."

"Thousands of years have passed, what is the state of Fuyang City now?"

Zhu Haichao gave a wry smile: "The demon race invaded the Xuanli Realm and nearly destroyed Fuyang City. Fortunately, Fellow Daoist Han intervened and saved us from disaster..."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group descended in a burst of light and arrived at the top of the stone mountain.

For cultivators in the Cloud Reaching Realm, the Xuanli Realm is not large. Zhu Haichao and Qi Xuan had met several times and had a very pleasant conversation.

However, these dragon people had cultivated for a long time and held high positions in their respective tribes. They were very discreet and dared not overstep their bounds, so they quickly quieted down.

Han Xuan then invited them aside under the pretext of discussing matters among fellow disciples, setting up a spiritual barrier to prevent them from prying into his presence.

Yuan Shuheng then recounted Chen Yuan's story in detail, and Chen Yuan also took out the Tai Xuan Token and asked Han Xuan to take a look.

Han Xuan remained calm throughout, only his eyes showed slight changes. He never showed his emotions, and his cunning was extremely profound.

As he listened to Yuan Shuheng's frank account of his clean and decisive defeat at Chen Yuan's hands, he carefully examined the Tai Xuan Token in his hand and nodded thoughtfully.

He handed the Tai Xuan Token back to Chen Yuan with both hands and said solemnly, "No wonder Fellow Daoist Chen said earlier that he and I are from the same sect. It is indeed true."

"I am also an ascended cultivator and know the difficulty of ascension. Fellow Daoist, you have traveled through the Three Realms, experienced many hardships, and lived with tigers and wolves. I admire you."

"However, this matter is too bizarre, and I, Han, do not know whether the sect leader is an ascended cultivator or not. There is no way to verify it for the time being."

"However, I have received my master's order that I may act as I see fit within this Xuanli Realm."

"Then please join forces with us, fellow Daoist, to deal with the demon race and find the True Dragon Cave."

"When Master descends to this realm, I will report your matter to him and ask Master to lead you to pay respects to the Sect Leader."

Chen Yuan accepted the Tai Xuan Token with both hands, clasped his hands in a bow, and said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Han. I owe you a favor."

Han Xuan shook his head: "Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. As the saying goes, cooperation benefits both sides, while division leads to mutual loss. Since you are so frank, I will naturally reciprocate with sincerity."

"Fellow Daoist's background is too complicated. If the disciples of the other two lineages, or the cultivators of the Wei family, Chonghua Sect, and Xuanji Sect, find out, it may cause some misunderstandings."

"Fellow Daoist is originally a successor of the Tai Xuan Sect. Why not temporarily join my Hua Yu Peak lineage? What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of all the Tai Xuan Sect cultivators changed.

Even Yuan Shuheng, who believed Chen Yuan's identity, was quite surprised.

It's not that they lack cunning; the Tai Xuan Sect is a major sect in the spirit world with strict rules.

Even if it's just to accept a Foundation Establishment disciple, it requires the elder's approval, the bestowal of an identity token, and the leaving of a natal lamp.

Taking on disciples without permission is punishable by severe penalties.

In just a few words, Han Xuan was about to bring Chen Yuan into the Huayu Peak lineage. Although it was only a temporary measure, it was too audacious and had already violated the sect rules.

However, Chen Yuan's situation is extremely special. If what he said is true, he is also a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect, but only from the human realm.

It would be reasonable for him to join the Tai Xuan Sect after ascending to immortality.

The group exchanged glances, each harboring some doubts.

However, Han Xuan's prestige within the Huayu Peak lineage was too high, and he was deeply loved by the people. No one dared to go against his wishes, let alone raise objections to his face; they all kept silent.

Chen Yuan was taken aback, then replied, "If that were possible, it would be the best."

Han Xuan then asked, "May I ask how old Fellow Daoist Chen is?"

Chen Yuan said, "I am still young and should not be as old as you fellow Daoists."

Han Xuan smiled slightly: "Then I will address you as my junior brother. As your elder brother, I treat you with sincerity, and I hope you will also truly regard us as fellow disciples."

Chen Yuan's expression turned solemn as he glanced at the crowd: "I am a descendant of the Tai Xuan Sect in the human realm. Now that I have joined the Hua Yu Peak lineage, I shall naturally abide by the sect rules and follow Senior Brother Han's lead."

Han Xuan took the initiative to invite him into the Huayu Peak lineage, which greatly surprised him.

His original plan was simply to join forces with Han Xuan and others to lure the Tai Xuan Sect's combined elders to descend.

After entering the spirit realm, you can pay your respects to Master Fu. With the help of the spirit in the green robe, it shouldn't be difficult to save your life.

Even if they seize the opportunity to join the Tai Xuan Sect, their future cultivation path will be much easier.

Han Xuan proposed to temporarily incorporate him into the Huayu Peak lineage, and Chen Yuan naturally did not refuse.

However, he would not truly consider himself a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect because of this. If Han Xuan was indeed as sincere as he said, he would naturally reciprocate.

But if Han Xuan only wanted to use him, he wouldn't let himself be slaughtered. He would simply feign compliance, just like he did with the Thunder Mountain Demon King.

Although he needed to rely on Han Xuan's power to enter the Spirit Realm, there were many human cultivators entering the Xuanli Realm, and it wasn't just the Huayu Peak lineage that he could cooperate with.

Chen Yuan's identity as a successor of the Tai Xuan Sect in the human realm, the counterfeit Tai Xuan Token, and the news of Master Fu's "old friend" are all enough to make the elders of the Tai Xuan Sect dare not underestimate him.

Even if he harbors ill intentions, at least let him see Master Fu and ask Master Fu to discern the truth.

Han Xuan said, "Our sect has many strict rules, but in this Xuanli Realm, there are only three that need to be followed."

"First, fellow disciples are not allowed to kill each other; second, they are not allowed to disobey orders; and third, they are not allowed to betray the human race."

"However, Junior Brother Chen's situation is special, so it's a different story."

"No matter how big or small the matter is, I will discuss it with my junior brother before making a decision."

Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly puzzled, wondering why Han Xuan would treat Chen Yuan so well.

However, Yuan Shuheng and the other three, who had witnessed Chen Yuan's strength firsthand, showed approval in their eyes.

Only they knew just how terrifying Chen Yuan's strength was.

Such powerful individuals must be treated with respect.

Chen Yuan smiled and said, "That's excellent. I, Chen, will do my utmost to help you enter the True Dragon Cave." Han Xuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Junior Brother, how much do you know about the True Dragon Cave?"

Chen Yuan said, "Under the guidance of Senior Chu and Senior Zhou, I went to the outer perimeter of the True Dragon Cave to investigate its true nature..."

He described the situation of the Myriad Flames Mountains and the Fire Realm in detail, even revealing that there might be a second layer of great formation beneath the Fire Realm.

What the Tai Xuan Sect seeks is the True Dragon Cave. If Chen Yuan wants to use the power of the Tai Xuan Sect to enter the Spirit Realm, he should forget about plotting to steal the True Dragon's Relics.

It would be better to go with the flow, do a favor, and give it to Han Xuan.

Han Xuan then asked, "Our sect has never fought against the demons of the Burning Demon Realm. Since you come from the Burning Demon Realm, do you know how many demon saints were involved in breaking the formation this time?"

"How many demon generals did they send out? What were their strengths? Besides Ao Xuan, are there any other true spirit descendants among them?"

Chen Yuan said, "There are six demon saints who are seeking the True Dragon Cave. They have dispatched more than a hundred demon generals. Apart from Ao Xuan, there are also two descendants of true spirits..."

He remained completely open about everything he knew, including the names of Ao Pan and Zhong Ding.

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with joy.

Only three true spirit descendants of the demon race entered the Xuanli Realm. One of them has already died at Chen Yuan's hands. Dealing with the remaining two will be much easier.

Not to mention that more than a dozen demon generals had already died at the hands of Chen Yuan and the others, making the struggle for the True Dragon Cave even easier.

Han Xuan said, "I have always been worried that the demon race will get there first."

"But this fire realm is so difficult to break through, and Junior Brother Chen has killed many demon generals, even Ao Xuan died at his hands."

"It would be extremely difficult for the demon race to break through the Fire Realm Formation, so there's no need to worry too much."

Senior Brother Zhang frowned and said, "The demon race should not be difficult to deal with, but without the threat of the demon race, the Wei family, Chonghua Sect and Xuanji Sect cultivators may have ulterior motives."

Senior Sister Hu nodded slightly: "That's right. In this Xuanli Realm, we don't have to abide by the Heavenly Rules of the Spirit Realm. Even if we kill each other, we won't be punished when we return to the Spirit Realm."

"With the True Dragon's Relics before us, those three cultivators certainly won't cooperate with our sect to break through that Fire Realm Formation."

Yuan Shuheng sneered: "And the disciples of Jade Sword Peak and Moon Embracing Peak, ever since Senior Brother Han led my Feather Transformation Peak to rise, the disciples of the other peaks have had many disagreements with us."

"If they can monopolize the treasures left by the true dragon, they certainly won't want to share them with us."

A cold glint flashed in Senior Sister Hu's beautiful eyes as she added, "No one knows exactly how many treasures are in that True Dragon Cave. If there's only one, or something like a true meaning inheritance..."

Everyone frowned, clearly believing the matter to be extremely difficult.

Han Xuan said calmly, "No need to worry. The most urgent task is to wipe out the demon general."

"How to break through the great formation and compete for the True Dragon's treasure will also be an internal struggle among our human cultivators."

"With Junior Brother Chen as a strong ally, our Huayu Peak lineage has a greater chance of winning compared to Jade Sword Peak and Moon-Embracing Peak."

The crowd's expressions softened, but worry still lingered in their eyes.

Chen Yuan's heart stirred; there seemed to be more to it than met the eye. But now was not the time to ask. He simply kept it to himself and said nothing more.

Han Xuan flicked his sleeve, dispelling the barrier of divine sense, and came to Lin Huai and the others. He clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "I apologize for keeping you all waiting. There was a misunderstanding between us and Junior Brother Chen, but it has now been resolved."

"Junior Brother Chen concealed some things from Senior Zhou before, which was a helpless move. I will explain it to Senior Zhou myself."

Lin Huai quickly returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Fellow Daoist Han is too kind. How could I, Lin, dare to interfere in matters of your sect?"

He already knew that Chen Yuan was not a disciple of the Tai Xuan Sect, but an ascended cultivator, but had a very deep entanglement with the sect leader of the Tai Xuan Sect.

Since it involved Mahayana cultivators, Lin Huai dared not ask any further questions.

Regardless of Chen Yuan's true origins, as long as he gains Han Xuan's recognition and the Tai Xuan Sect truly exists, with a Mahayana cultivator as his backer, the Ying Shan tribe will not harbor any disloyal thoughts.

Han Xuan had met many alien races before and knew Lin Huai's thoughts. He immediately changed the subject, asked Lin Huai to lead the way, and flew towards Iron Frost City in a flash.

Iron Frost City is over a million miles away; even a Nascent Soul cultivator would need at least several days to reach it.

However, Han Xuan took out a flying boat, about ten zhang long, called the "Qingfeng Boat". It was a flying magic treasure with extremely fast escape speed, but it consumed a lot of true essence.

When Han Xuan was traveling alone, he did not take out this boat, but now that everyone was traveling together, there was no need to worry about the consumption of true essence, and the speed of escape increased greatly. In one day, they arrived at Tielin City.

The elders of Yingshan, who remained behind, were overjoyed to see Lin Huai and Chen Yuan bring so many human cultivators, especially since they were Chen Yuan's fellow disciples. They invited everyone to the courtyard that had been prepared and settled them in.

Chen Yuan had not known when the cultivators from the Spirit Realm would enter the Xuanli Realm, and his words were ambiguous, only saying that they might come at any time, which made the elders of Yingshan tribe look forward to it for a long time.

News has already reached us of the horrific scene of the Demon General slaughtering the Dragonman tribe and destroying the Dragon Breath Platform.

Elder Ying Shan harbored deep hatred for the demon race and only hoped that cultivators from the spirit realm would arrive soon to wipe out these cruel and bloodthirsty demon generals.

However, Zhou Muyun received a message from an elder that he had just left Iron Frost City two days ago to hunt down the Demon Commander and had not yet returned.

Since Chen Yuan and Lin Huai's conch shells were temporarily unusable, an elder from the Yingshan clan took out a conch shell and sent a message to Zhou Muyun, asking him to return quickly.

Wu Xuan remained in Tielin City. Chen Yuan summoned him, and after meeting many human cultivators and exchanging words with Senior Brother Song and Senior Brother Li, he finally suppressed the arrogance between his brows.

He prided himself on his mastery of array formations and looked down on the dragon people, but in front of these two Nascent Soul cultivators who were equally proficient in array formations, he dared not show any arrogance.

Compared to other Mahayana sects, the Tai Xuan Sect's foundation is not particularly deep, but it is still unmatched by the demon race.

The array formation tradition of Wuxuan is inferior to that of Taixuan Sect.

However, his Clear and Bright Eyes were a unique secret technique, which both Senior Brother Song and Senior Brother Li greatly admired.

The cultivators of the Tai Xuan Sect took turns piloting the Qingfeng Boat, which consumed a considerable amount of their true essence. They returned to their residences and meditated to regulate their breathing.

Late that night, Chen Yuan visited Han Xuan at his residence.

Han Xuan welcomed him into the reception room, and the two took their seats as host and guest.

Han Xuan asked, "Junior Brother Chen, what brings you here so late at night?"

Chen Yuan got straight to the point: "The Xuanli Realm is not large, and the existence of the True Dragon Cave is not a secret. The disciples of Jade Sword Peak and Moon-Embracing Peak, as well as the cultivators of the other three families, have likely already discovered this matter."

"As Senior Brother Han said yesterday, in order to compete for the True Dragon's Relic, it is highly likely that we human cultivators will engage in internal strife."

"Why not summon our sect's elders sooner? This would save us from a fight and also deprive the demon race of any opportunity to take advantage of us."

He risked entering the Xuanli Realm for two reasons: first, for the blood of the true spirit, and second, to enter the spirit realm.

While the treasures left by the true dragon are indeed precious, the great formation is difficult to break, and there are still many variables.

Although Chu Weicai and Zhou Muyun both confidently asserted that the power of the True Dragon Cave Formation had greatly diminished, Chen Yuan had also personally witnessed the fire dragon in the Fire Realm, which only possessed the strength of the late-stage Soaring Cloud Realm.

But after all, it was a grand formation left behind by a true dragon. If there were any hidden tricks, it would be bad if they were accidentally triggered when breaking the formation.

Han Xuan pondered for a moment, then said, "Since Junior Brother Chen has subdued Wu Xuan, he should know how to break the Xuanli Realm Formation, right?" (End of Chapter)