Chapter 137: The Ancient Demon Yunlu

After stepping outside, more than a dozen colossal flying vessels came to a halt below. From each descended numerous cultivators, all led by Nascent Soul stage practitioners.

The Nascent Soul masters alighted and exchanged polite greetings before approaching Lin Yang one after another.

“So this must be the remarkably gifted young friend Lin from the Great Jin Dynasty, the renowned Yun Linzi of Qingyun Sect.”

“We have come once again specially to congratulate you on advancing to Nascent Soul. Many congratulations.”

“Wishing you an early breakthrough to the late Nascent Soul stage and to become a great Divine Transformation cultivator.”

Among them, one man stood out as the leader—a middle-aged figure radiating an ethereal aura, clad in Taoist robes that seemed to ripple with the ebb and flow of spiritual energy. His appearance was truly transcendent, like a legendary wandering Taoist sage, brimming with the noble demeanor of immortality and carrying the formidable presence of a mid-Nascent Soul practitioner. Those behind him felt humbled in his presence.

“This is a congratulatory gift from our Qingyuan Sect for you, young friend. Please, there is no need for formalities.” The middle-aged man spoke warmly, like a gentle spring breeze, and presented Lin Yang with a small wooden box. The rich medicinal aroma wafting from it suggested it contained precious herbal ingredients.

“Please, young friend, no need to be so formal. Everyone, please come inside.” Lin Yang said, and the venerable Linghu Patriarch approached, ushering everyone in while inquiring each guest’s name and exchanging pleasantries one by one.

These cultivators hailed not only from the Great Jin Dynasty but also from smaller states such as Yuanwu Kingdom and others, most representing future righteous sects. Their manners were courteous, reflecting the upright nature of their affiliations.

After Lin Yang finished greeting the last guest and was about to return, a dozen more flying ships emerged from the mist. They soon settled on the plaza, with all descending under the leadership of a single man.

Lin Yang felt he had seen this leader before but could not recall where. Judging by his imposing aura, attire, and temperament, this man exuded an unmistakable air of demonic cultivation. For instance, the man at the forefront possessed an extremely effeminate appearance, his gaze clouded with gloom and leering slyly around.

Upon seeing Lin Yang, his eyes flashed intensely. Then, abruptly, he smoothed his sleeve, composed himself, and concealed his sinister look, approaching with the grace of a delicate, handsome youth.

As he approached, his demeanor shifted from lecherous and sleazy to openly courteous and refreshing, like a breeze on a spring morning. This sudden change caught Lin Yang off guard, uncertain of the man’s intentions.

The man strode briskly forward without appearing awkward or disheveled, instead moving with an appreciative air. Upon reaching Lin Yang, he grasped his hand.

“You must be Master Lin Yang. I never imagined you so young could have reached Nascent Soul stage and be the foremost alchemist in the cultivation world.”

“Nor did I expect Master Lin to be so handsome, dashing, and charming—a once-in-ten-thousand-years man.”

As he spoke, he still held Lin Yang’s hand, unconsciously patting the back as if caressing it. The effeminate manner made Lin Yang somewhat uncomfortable, so he discreetly withdrew his hand and asked,

“May I know your name, young friend?”

The man produced a bracelet from his storage pouch. “This bracelet is carved from supreme spiritual marrow of the spiritual veins. It can accelerate cultivation speed—a truly precious treasure.”

He did not answer Lin Yang’s question but instead fastened the bracelet onto Lin Yang’s wrist, intensifying the latter’s unease.

“Please, respect yourself,” Lin Yang warned.

Immediately, the man’s demeanor turned threatening, causing him to withdraw his intrusive gestures.

“Sigh, I am the Cloud Dew Old Demon of the Hehuan Sect, named Song Xun. You may call me Xuner,” he said.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yang understood why the man was so repulsive. He was the infamous Cloud Dew Old Demon of the Hehuan Sect, notorious for his bisexuality and lecherous behavior.

Having undergone several advanced cultivation transformations and already possessing a strikingly handsome visage, Lin Yang’s chiseled features and well-proportioned face were captivating—no wonder such a bisexual old demon would be so captivated.

“Very well, please, everyone, come inside.” Since Cloud Dew Old Demon was only mid-Nascent Soul stage, Lin Yang was unafraid and led him inside, seating him at the furthest spot from himself.

The demonic and righteous sects were then escorted by other elders into separate halls for discussions, while disciples were organized by Lin Hu and Lin Shu, both nearing breakthrough to the Core Formation stage, aged over fifty and sixty respectively, standing out among their peers.

To ensure no mishaps, Lin Yang entrusted Panpan, who had already broken through to Core Formation, to their care.

Panpan had spent decades cultivating with every available resource but seemed stuck at this stage, likely due to weaker bloodline, unable to advance further. Yet this was suitable—if Panpan could not keep pace in the future, it would be better to let him remain in the mortal realm, as the lifespan of demon beasts far exceeds humans, allowing him to accompany Lin Yang by another means.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was tense, especially between the demonic and so-called righteous sects. The great war between righteousness and evil was only decades away, and hostilities were palpably thick.

However, since they were under Lin Yang’s hospitality, everyone restrained their tempers somewhat. After all, they had obtained many rare pills from Lin Yang, which could enhance their cultivation.

Thus, their exchanges were laden with sharp verbal clashes, leaving Lin Yang somewhat exasperated as he took on the role of peacemaker.

Once the verbal sparring subsided, Lin Yang stood and addressed the assembly.

“I have spent seventy-eight years to reach the Nascent Soul stage. I sincerely thank all of you for coming to Yun Duan Mountain Range to offer your congratulations.”

“To celebrate, Huangfeng Valley has specially prepared a grand banquet in your honor.”

With that, he clapped his hands. Numerous strikingly beautiful female disciples entered, carrying plate after plate.

Each dish was a medicinal feast crafted from various high-grade spiritual materials, prepared by chefs brought from the Star Palace—unmatched anywhere on the continent.

Lin Yang then had several disciples serve tea to all guests before rising once more.

“May we all progress steadily on the Immortal Path, pushing ever onward. I wish every friend here smooth advancement and greater cultivation achievements.”

“I offer this tea in lieu of wine; please drink with me as a gesture of respect.”

With a graceful motion, Lin Yang drank his tea. The guests, showing great courtesy, followed suit.