Even the ground was searched, but still nothing was found. They could only watch helplessly as the anomaly gradually dissipated. After the anomaly transformed into starlight and vanished, the aura of the Tai Ling Jing also disappeared, as if that aura had originated solely from the anomaly.
Kao Shan Sect returned to normal, appearing as if no precious treasure had ever existed. As for the Ying Long cave in Hei Shan, it was also within the search area, but that corpse had already been taken by Wang Tengfei, and now it too was empty.
At dusk, the search concluded. The people from the three great sects of the Southern Domain all looked displeased. They had spent spirit stones to teleport here, yet found nothing, immediately feeling that their losses far outweighed their gains.
"This fellow is not bad. Are you willing to join my Yi Jian Sect?"
In the sky, Zhou Yunyun glanced down, his gaze falling upon Chen Fan. Just now, while searching for the Tai Ling Jing, he had discerned Chen Fan's aptitude, deeming him worthy of recruitment. Especially since the other party possessed a righteous spirit, which was even more suitable for cultivating Yi Jian Sect's cultivation methods.
As he spoke, he raised his right hand, extended a finger, and Chen Fan's body immediately flew up. Under the watchful eyes of Meng Hao and the outer sect disciples, Chen Fan floated in mid-air, standing before Zhou Yunyun.
The powerful cultivators from all around Zhao State showed expressions of envy. They understood that this was the boy's good fortune. He Luohua and Elder Ouyang also remained silent, their hearts complex, but they also knew that Kao Shan Sect was too small. If an inner sect disciple had a better path for development, they would also be happy for it.
"Disciple..."
Chen Fan's expression was complex. He bowed his head and glanced at Kao Shan Sect. He Luohua and Elder Ouyang smiled and nodded, signaling him to accept. He then looked at Meng Hao and Xu Qing, and after a long while, a determined look appeared on his face.
"Thank you for senior's kind intentions, but this disciple is a member of Kao Shan Sect. In this life, I will absolutely not enter a second sect!"
Chen Fan raised his head and looked at Zhou Yunyun, speaking resolutely. He understood that as long as he agreed, he would have a bright future. He also yearned for the Southern Domain, but as a man in this world, there were some things he did not want to do, nor did he think of doing. In this life, there was only one sect!
As these words came out, a group of powerful cultivators from Zhao State showed expressions of being moved. For a sect, such a disciple could be compared to a precious treasure! But their eyes also held regret. Everyone understood that having refused Yi Jian Sect, it would be difficult for this person to escape death.
He Luohua silently watched Chen Fan, his heart growing even more complex. He sighed softly, "This child, why is he so stubborn? Why must it be this way?"
Zhou Yunyun's eyes flickered. He looked at Chen Fan for a moment before speaking softly.
"Do you know what the three words 'Yi Jian Sect' represent in the Southern Domain?"
Chen Fan silently nodded. He was well-versed in ancient texts and naturally understood that Yi Jian Sect was the number one sect in the Southern Domain.
"Do you also know what status I, Zhou, hold in Yi Jian Sect?"
Zhou Yunyun spoke gloomily, a murderous intent suddenly flashing in his eyes. The vast sky also seemed to darken, and an invisible aura from his body seemed to tear through the heavens.
"Anyone who knows Yi Jian Sect would know Senior Zhou. Senior is the current Guardian Elder of Yi Jian Sect, with extremely profound cultivation and a renowned reputation in the Southern Domain."
Chen Fan said softly.
"So you do know me, Zhou. Then do you know what you have just given up?"
Zhou Yunyun's voice grew colder and colder, making the surrounding chill even more piercing.
"The One Sword Sect has been passed down for tens of thousands of years. Its powerful cultivators are numerous, and those who join ascend to the heavens in one step. This junior understands!"
Chen Fan raised his head, not backing down in the slightest, his eyes clear and without regret.
Zhou Yan Yun looked at Chen Fan, then suddenly burst into laughter.
"I originally intended for you to be an ordinary outer sect disciple, but if you possess such a mindset... Good, good... You shall be my personal disciple!"
Zhou Yan Yun's laughter carried intense appreciation. He lightly flicked his sleeve, disregarding Chen Fan's thoughts, and directly took Chen Fan onto a great sword, departing.
At the same time, the middle-aged beautiful woman, seeing the One Sword Sect act this way, knew that her trip this time was not in vain. If she could bring back a decent disciple, it would count as a gain, so she pointed at Xu Qing.
"This girl is not bad. My Azure Luo Sect wants her!"
She had long noticed Xu Qing; her beautiful appearance and cold expression made her very appreciative. At this moment, with a single point, she did not wait for Xu Qing to speak, but directly took Xu Qing onto a compass. Under the envious gazes of many, they transformed into a rainbow and departed.
Only the fat man sat grinding his teeth. He had clearly understood that after the sect was disbanded, he would be free. He was even more heartlessly excited, thinking that he had already lived for several years. After returning to his home in Yun Jie County, his old father had said that his daughter-in-law had lived as a widow for several years, and after he returned, he could enjoy the blessings of having a beautiful wife.
"It's a pity I can't see Meng Hao again, but it doesn't matter. He owes money to Steward Zhou. As his brother, I will help him repay it. After I return, I will acquire properties everywhere, and then the entire Zhao Kingdom, haha... I, Li Fu Gui, am about to become the biggest rich man!"
The fat man grew more excited the more he thought, grinding his teeth while fantasizing.
At this moment, the burly man Zhao Shan Ling of the Golden Cold Sect frowned, slowly taking a step. Two of the three inner sect disciples had been taken away. He glanced over and saw Meng Hao, pausing. There was a faint demonic aura about him. He pondered, glancing at the people of the Reliance Sect, then suddenly froze, his eyes fixed on the fat man among the outer sect disciples. Especially when he looked at the fat man's teeth, seeing him vigorously grinding his teeth with a flying sword, his eyes gradually revealed an intense light, a demonic aura similar to that on Meng Hao.
"How did this fat man cultivate, to actually cultivate a set of spirit fangs? These are spirit fangs, and these spirit fangs... This fellow actually cultivated the Absolute Spirit Fangs, a lost inheritance of our sect."
That cultivation method requires directly biting spirit stones to cultivate. This trip was not in vain; if I bring this fellow back, those old men in the sect will definitely treat him as a treasure!!!
Zhao Shan Ling's eyes lit up. His right hand directly rose, grabbing downwards. The fat man, still in a daze, was snatched up.
"Young man, from now on, you are an inner sect disciple of the Southern Region's Golden Cold Sect!"
While the fat man was still in a daze, Zhao Shan Ling had already thrown him into a gray bag, from which the fat man's miserable wails faintly emanated.
Zhao Shan Ling turned and led everyone away, instantly tearing through the void. The other two parties, the middle-aged beautiful woman and Zhou Yan Yun, had already gone far.
But at this moment, Zhao Shan Ling suddenly remembered the feeling from before. He turned around to look back at the Reliance Sect, his divine sense suddenly emanating and converging on Meng Hao.
Upon seeing this, the burly man suddenly froze, abruptly stopping. The middle-aged beautiful woman of the Azure Luo Sect and Zhou Yan Yun were also surprised, immediately stopping.
Meng Hao's body trembled. The big man's glance made him feel as if everything within him was seen through. Even the demon core in his dantian lake seemed to be pierced by his gaze.
"This is..."
Jin Han Zong's eyes narrowed sharply, gleaming with a bright light. Earlier, he had only paid attention to the fat man, but suddenly looking back at the weak cultivator, he now discovered a clue. He turned abruptly and directly rushed towards Meng Hao.
"This one... I want him too!"
His voice boomed, and Meng Hao's face turned pale, his body feeling as if it were being crushed. Especially his dantian lake, which now trembled even more violently. The demon core seemed to be seized by an invisible force, wanting to break free from his body.
Pain spread throughout Meng Hao's entire body, and sweat poured down. The feeling of being at the mercy of others, to be slaughtered, resurfaced in his heart. He clenched his fists, but it was all in vain.
But at this moment, an earth-shshattering explosion rang out. From within the Kao Shan Sect, rumbling sounds echoed, shaking heaven and earth, causing Zhou Yan Yun, the middle-aged beautiful woman, and even the big man who was attacking Meng Hao to change their expressions. The three turned their heads, their eyes revealing fear.
"My Kao Shan Sect has only him left. Who dares to touch him!"