Within the eighth tier of the Soul Repository Pavilion, the awe-inspiring aura that clung to Wang Lin slowly ebbed, retreating until it vanished entirely, returning to the vast nothingness that cradled his separated self.

Wang Lin desired not to wield his doppelganger’s power excessively, choosing instead to utilize it sparingly, lest he risk its withering and premature demise. For to overdraw upon that wellspring would bring no benefit, but rather, hasten its end.

The thought of employing his separated self to ascend to the ninth tier had fleetingly crossed his mind. However, he sensed an overwhelming pressure emanating from the staircase, a burden too great to bear at his current level. While not insurmountable, the cost was deemed too steep.

Weighing the potential gains against the inevitable losses, Wang Lin relinquished his intention of entering the ninth tier. He dismissed the aura of his separated self, choosing instead to meticulously survey the eighth tier.

Within the Soul Repository Pavilion, one could only choose a single arcane art. Even Wang Lin could not circumvent this rule. His gaze swept across the nine Soul-Forms, each containing a unique power.

Within these nine manifestations, he recognized the Soul-Guiding Return Technique, the Multifaceted Illusion Path, and the Soul-Evolving Way, the latter eliciting a wry smile.

As for the other arcane arts, Wang Lin had never witnessed their use, yet he scrutinized each with equal measure.

The Great Soul Sect was renowned for its illusionary arts. While many core disciples could dabble in the Multifaceted Illusion Path, few could master it beyond three or four layers. Only those who could invoke eight or more layers could unleash its true, earth-shattering potential.

Wang Lin’s gaze settled upon the third Soul-Form, the one harboring the Multifaceted Illusion Path.

“Only eight layers… This art has nine as its limit. To be without the ninth layer is to be incomplete…” A furrow creased his brow.

“It would seem the complete version of this art resides within the ninth tier of the Soul Repository Pavilion.” After a moment of contemplation, Wang Lin’s eyes shifted to the seventh Soul-Form, its aura as potent as the one containing the Multifaceted Illusion Path.

Within the seventh Soul-Form lay the Soul-Guiding Return Technique, the very art that Yan Luan had once wielded! And here, within the eighth tier, it was complete.

Wang Lin pondered, weighing the merits of each.

“I may not venture to the ninth tier now, but I shall surely do so in the future. The nine layers of illusion are something I must possess! Thus, there is no need to rush my decision. Moreover, with the gourd at my disposal, choosing the complete Soul-Guiding Return Technique would be the most advantageous course for now!” Decisiveness flickered in his eyes. Once his mind was made, he rarely wavered. With a single step, he arrived beside the seventh Soul-Form. Seating himself in a meditative posture, he raised his right hand, forming a mystic gesture, and pointed towards the hovering Soul-Form.

The seventh Soul-Form trembled, emitting a sudden surge of spectral light that enveloped the entire eighth tier. Slowly, it descended, floating above Wang Lin’s crown chakra, mimicking his meditative pose.

Threads of ethereal essence, akin to wisps of smoke, unfurled from the Soul-Form, seeping through Wang Lin’s crown chakra, eyes, ears, nose, and other orifices.

Wang Lin remained still, his countenance serene. As the smoky threads infiltrated his body, a hushed voice seemed to whisper in his ear. Complex incantations, in a manner akin to soul-melding, were etched into his very being, becoming instinct.

Time flowed by. Wang Lin remained in silent meditation within the eighth tier for three days. During this time, he was unmoving, his entire focus dedicated to absorbing the Soul-Guiding Return Technique held within the seventh Soul-Form.

Unbeknownst to him, within the Great Soul Sect, his deeds had been etched into the hearts of every disciple, transforming him into a legend.

To conquer seven, then eight tiers of the Soul Repository Pavilion was a feat rarely seen, even across the ages. The identity and origins of the newly arrived Elder Wang became the subject of endless speculation.

Yet, none of these theories approached the truth.

Those who knew the truth were bound by silence. Both Fan Shanmeng and her sister, as well as the Azure Ox Ancestor, remained tight-lipped. Even Yan Luan, whose spirit had been crushed by Wang Lin’s aura, dared not speak of him.

The matter of his identity as a cultivator from the Ancient Kingdom was also suppressed under the Azure Ox Ancestor’s explicit orders.

The passage of three days did little to quell the whispers surrounding Wang Lin. On the dawn of the fourth day, as the first rays of sunlight kissed the land, Wang Lin opened his eyes within the eighth tier of the Soul Repository Pavilion.

His eyes seemed different, veiled in a wisp-like mist that lent them an ethereal quality. Those who gazed upon them would find themselves captivated, unable to escape.

“Soul-Guiding Return… So that is how it is…” Wang Lin murmured. He closed his eyes once more, and after a long while, exhaled a breath of stale air. He rose to his feet, and with a single step, descended the staircase.

Step by step, Wang Lin traversed the staircase, descending from the eighth tier of the Soul Repository Pavilion, through the fifth, the third, until he reached the first.

“The arcane arts of the Great Soul Sect, be it the Soul-Evolving Way or the Soul-Guiding Return, require the fragmentation of a sliver of one’s own soul, using it as a conduit to commune with the heavens, allowing one to unleash a series of divine powers…”

“No wonder I could not fully comprehend the Multifaceted Illusion Path in the Cave World, relying instead on the Grimace Sail to cast it. And once the sail was no longer in my grasp, I could no longer wield the art…” A glint of understanding shone in Wang Lin’s eyes as he exited the Soul Repository Pavilion.

Following the fissure in space that existed outside the Soul Repository Pavilion, Wang Lin transformed into a streak of light and soared away. The moment he left, the fissure outside Azure Peak slammed shut.

Within his cave on Azure Peak, the Azure Ox Ancestor, watching Wang Lin depart, breathed a sigh of relief. Had Wang Lin insisted on entering the ninth tier, he knew not what to do.

“The First Ancestor divined that Wang Lin would enter the ninth tier three hundred years after his arrival. And that on the ninth day after his entry, the three major sects of Green Devil Continent would unite to extinguish the lineage of the Great Soul Sect and the Returning One Sect on the Heavenly Ox Continent…”

“Their goal is to obtain the essence of the Heavenly Ox, sealed beneath this continent…” The Azure Ox Ancestor was silent, his face etched with worry. Though he knew these events, and had made preparations, the workings of fate were ever unpredictable. In Wang Lin, he sensed an unease regarding the future.

“The First Ancestor founded the Great Soul Sect, his identity shrouded in mystery, even to subsequent generations. There is a rumor that the Soul-Evolving Way of our Great Soul Sect was originally two separate arts, one known as the Way-Evolving Soul!

“Legend has it that the First Ancestor was a disciple of a profound sect hidden within the Immortal Astral Continent. However, in his generation, there were two disciples who would inherit the sect’s most profound teachings…

“The two inherited the Soul-Evolving Way and the Way-Evolving Soul respectively… but the First Ancestor, for reasons unknown, relinquished his right to inherit the lineage, leaving to establish the Great Soul Sect within this newly sealed Heavenly Ox Continent…”

“And there is another rumor…” The Azure Ox Ancestor’s heart trembled as he recalled the final rumor, lifting his gaze to the distant Central Continent.

This final rumor was pieced together by generations of disciples, from every scrap of information they could gather. It was so dreadful that it was often simply dismissed as a mere tale!

“Rumor has it that within the imperial city of Central Continent, the lineage of the Imperial Preceptor Shang Xuan practices an art known as the Way-Evolving Teaching…” The Azure Ox Ancestor fell silent, his heart filled with trepidation. He sighed, and returned to his meditation.

Wang Lin flew swiftly, traversing the vast expanse of the Great Soul Sect. The sect’s territory was immense, stretching as far as the eye could see. Towering peaks pierced the sky.

As Wang Lin passed, countless manifestations of divine sense erupted from these peaks, their forms bowing in respectful greeting.

Wang Lin, whose nature was to reciprocate respect, returned their salutations with a smile. He continued his journey until he arrived at his burning mountain.

Outside the mountain, Fan Shanmeng remained, weary, yet unwilling to leave.

Approaching the mountain, Wang Lin glanced at her, his expression unchanged. As he stepped onto the burning peak, his voice echoed,

“Enter. This cave-mountain is somewhat disorganized. Tidy it, find a dwelling, and await my summons!”

Fan Shanmeng bowed her head in affirmation, biting her lip. She cautiously entered the burning mountain, the searing heat causing sweat to pour down her brow. After a time, she managed to endure it, casting a venomous glance at Wang Lin’s receding form. Suppressing her resentment, she began to clean the caves, as instructed.

Wang Lin returned to the cave at the mountain’s peak. Seating himself in a meditative pose, he raised his right hand, revealing three brocade boxes. These were the gifts presented by the Azure Ox Ancestor.

“The Great Soul Sect has treated me well thus far. Perhaps I shall linger here for a time, before seeking out my teacher…”

“Moreover, I do not yet fully understand the situation surrounding my teacher. There are likely those who would not accept my sudden arrival, or perhaps there would be conflict… Therefore, I must increase my cultivation before seeking him out!” Those who reached Wang Lin’s level could vaguely sense danger, though not as clearly as those who could divine the future.

He had a feeling that within the Dao Ancient lineage, a great tribulation awaited him.

“If my cultivation is sufficient, all tribulations will be but trivial matters! First, I shall see what gifts he who knew I would arrive here has left for me!” A glint flashed in Wang Lin’s eyes as he focused on the first box.

(End of Chapter)