Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple

Chapter 126: Whoa! How Did She Get Here?

Eastern Territory, Miasma Forest.

As the name suggests, the entire forest was shrouded in miasma. Without the cultivation level of Profound Sky Realm or above, one wouldn't dare set foot here. Otherwise, the miasma would infiltrate the body. It could result in a mere drop in cultivation or, at worst, death.

The Tower of Enlightenment was situated right in the heart of this miasma forest. In fact, many speculated that the miasma was influenced by the Tower of Enlightenment itself.

Around the periphery of the Tower of Enlightenment, numerous forces from the Eastern Territory had already gathered in advance. Among them, the Xiaoyao Palace was undoubtedly a top-tier power in the Eastern Territory.

The Flying Cloud Sect, Silver Moon Palace, and Heartbreak Valley were equally powerful and considered first-rate sects.

Following closely were aristocratic families like the Wang Family. Though slightly weaker than the top-tier sects, they still had Divinity Separation Realm Ancestors guarding them, making them comparable to the Ren Family.

Other smaller forces were almost all affiliated with these major powers, with the latter at the forefront.

"Brother Wang Yan, it's been a while. I heard that you went to the Northern Territory for the Secret Realm. The Holy Mountain's Saintess obtained an Immortal's inheritance within the Secret Realm. Brother Wang Yan must have gained a lot as well, I presume?"

With the Tower of Enlightenment not yet open, the prodigies of various forces engaged in small talks, building relationships in advance. The prodigies present were all pillars of the Eastern Territory, even individuals holding sway in the region!

Tong Wen, the chief disciple of the Flying Cloud Sect, smiled and bowed to Wang Yan.

Though just a casual remark, it fell into Wang Yan's ears and caused his expression to darken significantly.

"No need to trouble yourself, fellow daoist."

Wang Yan's face remained calm, not wishing to dwell on this issue any further.

What did he gain in the Secret Realm?

He gained a good thrashing, was beaten into a pig's head, and also received a misplaced kick from the palace lord, which broke several ribs and nearly cost him his life.

Oh, right, he also gained a big mouthful of ashes gifted by Ren Qirui…

No matter what, each of these matters had left a huge shadow in Wang Yan's heart, to the point that during his recent cultivation, he felt distracted and unable to focus.

The affairs in the Northern Territory had almost become his heart demon!

"Uh…"

Tong Wen was a bit confused. He had conversed with Wang Yan on occasion before, and the latter had always appeared as a dashing young gentleman, making interactions quite pleasant.

But today, why was his temper so bad?

It was like getting a hot face pressed against a cold bottom. Tong Wen's expression also turned unsightly.

Everyone present were chief disciples, all of them prodigies of the Eastern Territory. If they were treated kindly and respectfully, naturally, everyone would be pleased. But if they weren't shown respect, no one would force themselves to flatter!

Tong Wen immediately gave a slight bow and turned away to converse with other prodigies.

Observing Wang Yan, due to Tong Wen bringing up his painful matter, he seemed absent-minded no matter who approached him.

"Yan'er, the incident in the Northern Territory was an accident. This Tower of Enlightenment is the real great opportunity. This time, use the Tower of Enlightenment to temper your mind and get rid of your heart demon. With your strength and aptitude, even rewards at the level of Heaven-ranked treasures should be within your reach."

Seeing his demeanor, the Master of the Xiaoyao Palace beside him naturally understood his thoughts and gently counseled him.

"Indeed, Yan'er, this time, in our Eastern Territory, no matter the problem, your father has your back!"

Wang Yan's father, the head of the Wang Family, also timely stepped forward, patting his son's shoulder, trying to boost his confidence.

Hearing their words, Wang Yan took two deep breaths and indeed felt calmer. After all, this was the Eastern Territory, their home turf.

With the backing of the palace master and his father, both at the Divinity Separation realm, what was there to fear? Even the transcendent Holy Mountain wouldn't lightly offend both the Xiaoyao Palace and the Wang Family, two major forces.

Among the numerous prodigies of the Eastern Territory, he was already the most dazzling, backed by two major forces!

As everyone was immersed in their fiery discussions, a small flying vessel quickly approached, then gently landed on a mountaintop.

"Hiss... It's people from the Holy Mountain."

"Indeed, Holy Mountain is truly wealthy and grand. They've actually come directly in a flying vessel. So envious!"

"Wow, so does that mean we're lucky enough to witness the grace of the Saintess?"

"I'm Li Zhaoming and I'm genuinely fond of Saintess Shenruo!"

"Hey hey hey, who are you, kid? I'm Li Zhaoming, don't randomly make enemies for me, damn it!"

With the arrival of the Holy Mountain's small flying vessel, the scene instantly heated up. Most people stared intently at the vessel, afraid to miss the splendor of Saintess Li Shenruo!

In the Eastern Territory, every male cultivator knew that whoever could become the Dao companion of Li Shenruo would undoubtedly become the most influential figure in the Eastern Territory in the future!

Even every force, every family, hoped to be linked with Li Shenruo in marriage.

Although Holy Mountain usually remained aloof and rarely got involved in the disputes of the Eastern Territory, except for appearing when called upon for aid, if a relationship were established with Saintess Li Shenruo, all forces would yield and show utmost respect, preserving her face.

Several successors of first-rate sects and families were dressing themselves up, wanting to leave the best impression on the Saintess.

Only the special sect, Heartbreak Valley, where both the master and disciples were female, didn't care about Saintess Li Shenruo. On the contrary, they were a bit jealous.

"Our senior sister, this beauty, isn't here to woo them. The Saintess hasn't even appeared, yet they're already so excited. Hmph, what a group of narrow-minded smelly men."

Several disciples from Heartbreak Valley were quite indignant, speaking up for their senior sister.

"Be cautious with your words, don't speak thoughtlessly."

Heard the words of her junior sisters, Qiu Ying, the chief disciple of Heartbreak Valley, frowned slightly and reprimanded in a low voice.

Though she was somewhat displeased with these people's reactions, offending Saintess Li Shenruo wasn't necessary. Moreover, as the sect master once said, there's not a single good man in the world, so why bother caring about whose attention they're seeking?

It's not bad to stay detached.

"Buzz—" With a vibration, the Holy Mountain's flying vessel finally landed on the mountaintop. Following that, under everyone's gaze, two figures appeared.

The Great Elder and the Second Elder of the Holy Mountain.

After their arrival, surprisingly, the Great Elder respectfully lifted the curtain of the cabin himself, assuming a rather deferential posture, inviting the insider out.

"Hiss… The Great Elder of Holy Mountain, he's the strongest figure in the Eastern Territory now. Why is he bowing like this?"

"Even the Saintess, Li Shenruo, should not be treated like this. Isn't it overly respectful?"

"Could it be that there are others inside?"

Seeing the actions of the Great Elder of the Holy Mountain, everyone couldn't help but inhale a cold breath, speculating one after another.

As a figure walked out, the frowns on the faces of the crowd deepened; they couldn't recognize this person at all!

"What the heck!!! Why did she come!"

Only Wang Yan, upon seeing that figure, lost all the confidence he had just gathered on his face. It instantly vanished, leaving behind only shock.

Instinctively, he flashed behind the palace lord, as if he had encountered a terrifying monster!