259. Immortal Mansion Task
With a soft swish, Lin Fei had barely stepped into the grand hall when he immediately became the focus of many piercing gazes. Seated in prominent positions were two martial artists. One was a face Lin Fei recognized well — it was none other than the Chief of the Law Enforcement Hall, the esteemed Martial Sovereign, Wind Sovereign. Beside Wind Sovereign sat another martial artist exuding an aura of authority. Without needing an introduction, Lin Fei deduced that this must be the leader of the Ancient Origin Sect, another of the famed Martial Sovereigns.
Within the hall, other figures, though only martial saints, were key figures in the Ancient Origin Sect: the Chief of the Transmission Hall, the Master of the Treasure Exchange Pavilion, and the Chief of the Task Hall, among others. While these martial artists weren't Martial Sovereigns, each had harnessed the power of at least two flowers, marking them as formidable forces and core members of the Ancient Origin Sect. Besides the reclusive and meditating elder figures of the sect, almost every influential individual who had a say in the sect's affairs was present. The scale of the gathering indicated the gravity of the situation.
"Greetings, Sect leader, Wind Sovereign, and esteemed elders," Lin Fei offered a modest salute towards the Sect leader and Wind Sovereign. For the others, he simply gave a nod of acknowledgment. As the foremost elder of the Law Enforcement Hall and next only to the Sovereigns, his standing was second to none. At most, some might have had slightly more authority, but in terms of status, Lin Fei was undoubtedly at the core of the Ancient Origin Sect.
"Elder Lin, please take a seat," the Sect leader gestured after observing Lin Fei, and a chair materialized beside him. Without any pretense, Lin Fei settled down. Assessing his seating, he realized he had been given a prominent position. In certain contexts, seating arrangements symbolized one's stature and the Sect leader's gesture acknowledged Lin Fei's competence and standing.
"Elder Lin," began the Sect leader, "we've summoned you today for a consultation. Regarding the last matter you reported, concerning the appearance of a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Taiyi Dao Palace on the Fairy Mist Island. After you brought this to our attention, our sect took it very seriously and commenced an investigation into Taiyi Dao Palace. As it turns out, there was indeed a matter of concern.
Just a few days ago, Taiyi Dao Palace proactively contacted the Ancient Origin Sect, Profound Light Cave Heaven, and Red Hades Mansion, the three major forces. They admitted that they couldn't keep their secret any longer and revealed their reason for heading to Fairy Mist Island. In that maritime region lies an immortal mansion left behind by a Nascent Soul Great Being. They've even ascertained its approximate location. All three factions have dispatched Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons to explore that maritime region along with the cultivators from Taiyi Dao Palace."CHeCk for new stories on no/v/el/bin(.)c0m
"It is indeed an Immortal Mansion," the Sect leader continued. "But this mansion is no ordinary place. It is protected by a powerful array. Even for us, the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons, it's challenging to break through.
Yet, since the mansion is without a master, we managed to work together and create a small entrance in the protective array, just enough for someone to enter. However, this entrance only allows Martial Saints or Foundation Establishment cultivators to enter. If a Golden Core True Person or Martial Sovereign attempts to go in, the array would exert a powerful suppressive force. If that happens, the mansion will disappear and become untraceable.
After discussions with Taiyi Dao Palace, our three factions decided to deploy our Golden Core True Persons and Martial Sovereigns to suppress the mansion's array for one month. This will give our Foundation Establishment True Persons and Martial Saints the opportunity to enter the mansion and search for treasures.
While the three factions will enter and exit together, we can't overlook the allure of the treasures inside an Immortal Mansion left by a Nascent Soul Great Being. Disputes might arise over the ownership of these treasures, especially with members of Taiyi Dao Palace present.
All factions will undoubtedly send their top-tier Foundation Establishment cultivators into the mansion. Although the Ancient Origin Sect is a martial arts sect, the treasures left behind by a Nascent Soul Great Being can be highly beneficial to martial artists too. Hence, we have decided that Elder Lin will lead our sect's elite Martial Saints to the mansion to secure these treasures.
Elder Lin, what are your thoughts?"
"Elder Lin, you might be underestimating the Martial Saints of our Ancient Origin Sect."
"Indeed, Elder Lin's strength is awe-inspiring, capable of defeating Jiang Tianyun of the Illusion Worry City. However, the depth of our Ancient Origin Sect is unparalleled. Where can Illusion Worry City even compare? Even for Jiang Tianyun, there are no less than ten Martial Saints in the Ancient Origin Sect who can defeat him!"
"Elder Lin, having joined the Ancient Origin Sect midway, perhaps you do not truly grasp our essence. Our Ancient Origin Sect boasts a profound legacy. We have numerous formidable Martial Saints. Defeating Jiang Tianyun doesn't render one invincible amongst the Martial Saints."
"To view other Martial Saints as burdens, Elder Lin, you might be overestimating yourself."
For a moment, virtually all of the Martial Saint elders were discontented with Lin Fei. Only the Wind Sovereign and the Sect Leader remained silent. Both of them understood clearly. Lin Fei's accomplishments weren't just limited to defeating Jiang Tianyun. Lin Fei had also repelled the Golden Core level magic treasure, the Great Mountain Seal! He even killed the two proud disciples of the Taiyi Dao Palace.
With a swift glance, Lin Fei's cold voice rang out, "If any dissenters exist, you are welcome to test my strength in the arena! I don't wish to enter the perilous Immortal Mansion while being distracted by the need to protect others."
Lin Fei didn't intend to offend everyone. However, entering the Immortal Mansion posed undeniable risks. Lin Fei didn't want to be burdened with protecting others.
Furthermore, acting alone, he could operate without any restraints. The gains would surely be much more than if several Martial Saints acted together.
"There might be dangers within the Immortal Mansion. Elder Lin's concerns are understandable. If anyone truly has confidence, they can challenge Elder Lin on the platform. Even teaming up is permissible. Elder Lin, you wouldn't mind, would you?"
Wind Sovereign suddenly interjected. This was akin to pouring oil onto a raging fire! All the Martial Saints' faces turned unsightly. Only the Sect Leader and Wind Sovereign retained their composure. Their gaze toward Lin Fei carried a subtle depth.
"I don't mind. Team up if you wish. I'll take on all challengers."
Lin Fei responded indifferently.