Qi Yixuan had indeed arrived in Qilin Prefecture.
Ever since losing track of Ye Xuezhang, the Demon Cult Leader had been unable to eat or sleep, constantly plagued by worry for her husband.
In her mind, since Ye Xuezhang and the mysterious swordsman disappeared around the same time, their fates must be intertwined. Perhaps her husband had offended this enigmatic figure.
Despite mobilizing all the Demon Cult disciples in Taihua Prefecture to search for Ye Xuezhang and the swordsman, no clues were found.
It wasn't until recently that the Grand Star Lord learned of the Netherworld Ghost King's assassination attempt on the Buddhist Protector and rushed to investigate.
Although she didn't encounter the Ghost King, she did find traces of Ye Xuezhang's sword aura at the scene.
The Grand and Minor Star Lords were in charge of Taihua Prefecture's affairs.
When Zhaotian Sect was annihilated, the Grand Star Lord was the first to discover it and report to Ghost Granny.
Later, when Ye Xuezhang killed Huntian Divine Lord in Zhongzhou, the Grand Star Lord also passed by the scene and felt the remnants of his sword aura.
Upon recognizing the latest traces left by Ye Xuezhang, the Grand Star Lord immediately informed Qi Yixuan.
Nearly driven to madness at home, Qi Yixuan decided to personally investigate the mysterious swordsman and find out her husband's whereabouts.
Under the pretense of visiting a temple to pray for her husband's safety, she left the Ye residence and made her way to Qilin Prefecture.
In a Foggy Mountain Valley
Under the hazy moonlight, mist shrouded the area, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
On the mountain peak, a woman in white robes stood, gazing up at the moon.
Her graceful figure exuded a chilling aura, and the surrounding mist condensed into a dense fog, influenced by her presence.
The moonlight cascaded upon her, enveloping her in a layer of silver radiance, adding an air of mystique to her being.
At the base of the mountain, Netherworld Ghost King, Zhang Xiaoyu, and the Grand Star Lord arrived silently.
Upon seeing this unparalleled woman, Zhang Xiaoyu couldn't tear her gaze away.
Even her silhouette exuded a regal and captivating beauty.
"This is the Demon Cult Leader?" Zhang Xiaoyu thought.
"What an overwhelming presence!"
Her eyes sparkled with admiration, and she found herself lost in awe.
"Netherworld Ghost King of the Demon Cult pays his respects to the Leader!"
The Ghost King knelt on the ground, bowing deeply. He nudged Zhang Xiaoyu, who quickly came to her senses and knelt as well.
"Disciple Ye Xiaoling greets the Leader!" she said loudly.
"The Grand Star Lord greets the Leader," added the Star Lord.
Without turning around, the woman spoke in a cold, distant voice:
"Ghost King, tell me about this swordsman."
"Yes," the Ghost King replied, recounting Ye Xuezhang's deeds.
After hearing the full account, the woman asked, "Do you know where the swordsman went next?"
"Though I couldn't see at the time, I could sense that he was heading in the direction of Qilin Prefecture."
"Hmm? Qilin Prefecture?"
She paused in thought.
"Could he be going for the Heavenly Secrets Gathering?"
At Mount Xianke
Upon arriving, Ye Xuezhang followed Zhang Xiaoyu's directions to a mountain valley.
In the valley stood a tall, newly constructed tower.
This was the Heavenly Secrets Tower, a signature structure of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, one of the most mysterious organizations in the martial world.
The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion specialized in collecting treasures, spirit herbs, pills, and martial manuals, selling them to the martial world.
For each gathering, they built a similar tower at the designated location, dismantling it once the event ended.
The organization's name, Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, derived from this practice.
The origin of their goods was no secret.
Some were cultivated by the pavilion itself, while others were acquired through illicit means.
By selling these stolen treasures to others in the martial world, they effectively "bought peace" and ensured that few questioned their actions.
Additionally, the Buddhist Sect supported the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, deterring potential challengers.
Over the years, the pavilion's ruthless methods had left a trail of blood. But with its immense power and clean executions, few dared to provoke them.
This was the harsh reality of the martial world—a world steeped in bloodshed.
The Heavenly Secrets Tower
The tower was adorned with red lanterns inscribed with the words "Heavenly Secrets."
As Ye Xuezhang entered the valley, he saw martial artists from all over the Nine Provinces, many of whom wore masks.
Some concealed their auras, making their cultivation levels indiscernible, while others radiated overwhelming dominance, striding confidently toward the tower.
Most attendees were Sun and Moon Realm experts, with at least a dozen Stellar Sea Realm powerhouses present.
Ocean Realm and Heavy Mountain Realm cultivators were rare sights.
At the entrance, masked guards meticulously inspected the attendees' tokens.
Ye Xuezhang presented his token to a guard, who examined its engravings for authenticity.
After a brief moment, the guard returned the token and gestured for him to proceed.
Nodding, Ye Xuezhang stepped inside.
The tower had nine floors, each brightly lit and bustling with activity.
The ground floor was an open hall, surrounded by rooms along the perimeter.
Ye Xuezhang stood in place, unsure where to begin.
"Isn't this where I'm supposed to find spirit herbs and pills? Why don't I see anything?"
A masked woman approached him, her voice soft.
"Are you attending the Heavenly Secrets Gathering for the first time, sir?"
"Yes," Ye Xuezhang replied, his voice deliberately lowered.
She explained,
"The first floor offers first-grade spirit herbs, pills, and other treasures of equivalent value."
"The second floor has second-grade items, and so on. The higher you go, the rarer and more valuable the treasures become."
"Where should I go to make a purchase?" Ye Xuezhang asked.
"Do you see the side doors? Each has a sign indicating the goods available inside. Enter one, and someone will assist you."
Ye Xuezhang nodded. "I see. Thank you."
Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure descended upon the area!
The air grew frigid, biting into his skin.
At the same time, the sound of combat erupted outside the tower.
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