198: Returning to report, Yunshang went to report on her duties.

On the outskirts of the Zangxing Mountain Range, the mountain stream was tranquil, and the Restriction's light flowed. After several days of recuperation, all five of Lin Xuan's group had largely recovered their condition. Continuous high-intensity battles and life-and-death crises were like the hottest furnace fire, tempering everyone's cultivation and Heart-Nature.

Lin Xuan's primal nascent soul became even more solid, and his control over power more precise; Su Wanqing and the frost silence sword were almost telepathically connected, her Taiyin Sword Intent sharp and pure; Qu Feiyan's Blood Lotus Demonic Art was restrained and profound; Gongsun Yu's Chaos Thunder Gang Foundation was solid; and Yun Shang, bearing the newly acquired Star Vortex Golden Core and Star Palace Legacy, had an ethereal temperament, like a Star Maiden descended to the mortal world.

"It's time to return to the Sect." Lin Xuan opened his eyes, his gaze penetrating the Restriction, looking towards the Qinglan Sect. "The matter of the Star Remains Ancient Palace concerns the Guixu Cult's shocking conspiracy and must be reported to the Sect immediately, especially to Supreme Elder Yuheng."

Everyone nodded, knowing that this matter was no small feat. Yun Shang, in particular, said solemnly, "Senior Brother Lin is absolutely right. I was tasked by the Sect to accompany you on this training expedition to investigate the Guixu Cult's movements. Now that we have obtained such a significant clue, we must return to the Sect as soon as possible to report."

She was originally a core true Disciple carefully nurtured by the Qinglan Sect, possessing the Star Spirit Body and regarded as one of the Sect's future pillars. This time, she was ordered to travel with Lin Xuan and the others, with both the intention of gaining experience and the responsibility of supervision and assistance. The experience at the Star Remains Ancient Palace far exceeded expectations before departure, but it also brought her immense gains, and she was thoroughly convinced by Lin Xuan.

The five no longer delayed, controlling their escape light, concealing their tracks, and speeding towards the Qinglan Sect. Along the way, the Eastern Region seemed calm, but in reality, undercurrents surged. Some small-scale conflicts and bizarre incidents all seemed to subtly point to the Guixu Cult lurking in the shadows.

A few days later, the majestic mountain gate of the Qinglan Sect came into view. The familiar clouds and Spiritual Qi allowed everyone's tense minds to relax slightly.

Lin Xuan did not return directly to Tingzhu Courtyard but led the four women straight to the back mountain of Qingyun Peak to request an audience with Supreme Elder Yuheng.

Inside the ancient Immortal Cave, Supreme Elder Yuheng listened quietly to Lin Xuan's narration and carefully examined the more detailed Jade Slip of observations supplemented by Yun Shang, recorded with the Sect's secret method. A profound solemnity gradually enveloped his gentle and peaceful face.

"Reversing the stars, sacrificing all living beings, ushering in the Nether Ruins..." Supreme Elder Yuheng put down the Jade Slip, his voice low and solemn. "The Guixu Cult's ambition is truly monstrous to such an extent! For you to discover and destroy one of their important lairs is a meritorious service to the Sect and beneficial to the Eastern Region!"

His gaze swept over the five, lingering on Lin Xuan for a moment, with both admiration and scrutiny in his eyes: "Lin Xuan, your speed of growth and the abundance of your Opportunities are truly rare. Wanqing and Feiyan have also made remarkable progress." Finally, he looked at Yun Shang, his eyes gentle and filled with expectation: "Yun Shang, you performed exceptionally well in this training expedition, living up to the Sect's high hopes. The Star Palace Legacy aligns with your Physique, which is your Opportunity and also the Sect's fortune. You must diligently comprehend it and not be complacent."

"This Disciple will certainly strive hard and not fail the cultivation of Grand Elder and the Sect!" Yun Shang respectfully saluted, her tone firm.

"Grand Elder," Lin Xuan asked, "Since the Guixu Cult's conspiracy has been exposed, they might become desperate. How should we respond next?"

Supreme Elder Yuheng showed contemplation: "This matter is complex and of great importance, not easily resolved by a single School. This old man needs to immediately discuss it in secret with the Sect Master and the other Grand Elders. You all should first return and rest assured. Regarding the details of the ancient palace, especially what Lin Xuan gained and Yun Shang's Legacy, keep it confidential for now to avoid complications. Once the Sect has decided on a plan, there will be arrangements, and you will then be needed to shoulder important responsibilities."

"This Disciple understands." The five replied in unison.

Leaving Supreme Elder Yuheng's Immortal Cave, they returned to Tingzhu Courtyard. The familiar scenery brought a long-lost sense of peace to everyone.

In the courtyard, moonlight was like water.

Su Wanqing stood alone under the plum tree, her silhouette solitary and aloof. Lin Xuan slowly approached, standing beside her.

"Under a lot of pressure?" he asked softly.

Su Wanqing slightly turned her head, her icy eyes reflecting the moonlight: "When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. I just feel that the road ahead is arduous, not something one person and one sword can block."

Lin Xuan naturally placed his hand on her shoulder, feeling her momentary stiffness, which then slowly relaxed. "Not by you alone, nor by my one sword." His voice was steady, "We are all here."

Su Wanqing looked up at him, her clear, cold gaze shifting, eventually turning into an almost inaudible sigh. She allowed herself to lean slightly against his solid arm, drawing in a rare moment of tranquility and strength.

Under the corridor, Qu Feiyan stood with her arms crossed, watching the two leaning against each other under the moon. She pouted and grumbled softly, "Idiot... is that all you can do to comfort people...?" Despite her words, there was not much anger in her eyes, but rather a hint of complex understanding. She knew her place in Lin Xuan's heart was different from Su Wanqing's, but equally indispensable.

Gongsun Yu had already obediently pulled Yun Shang into the side room, leaving the courtyard to those who needed solitude.

Yun Shang sat by the window, gazing at the crescent moon in the sky, her heart stirring slightly. This training expedition had shown her Lin Xuan's astonishing talent and responsibility, and she had also felt Su Wanqing's cold exterior but warm interior protection, Qu Feiyan's true feelings beneath her charm, and Gongsun Yu's innocent reliance. This temporarily formed team had already forged deep friendships through shared life and death. As a Disciple dispatched by the Sect, her mission could be said to have been completed perfectly and beyond expectations, but deep down, a certain emotional balance seemed to be quietly shifting.

The brief calm was the lull before the storm.

Everyone understood that the shadow of the Guixu Cult had not dissipated; instead, it might become even more dangerous and unpredictable due to its thwarted conspiracy. Returning to the Qinglan Sect was not the end, but the beginning of a new storm brewing. They needed to use this precious time to digest what they had gained from their experience, improve their strength, await the Sect's summons, and prepare to face the even more severe challenges that were bound to come. And the trust and bonds forged between them in life and death would be the most solid Foundation for them to face all future trials.