An overburdened and weary Divine Soul, due to excessive impurities, will also lose hope of attaining the status of a Ghost Immortal.

It must undergo several purifications in the Jade Liquid Pool, to wash away the stains of the heart and cleanse thoroughly, to increase the chances of breaking through the barrier between life and death.

Otherwise, the five towering Taoist Sects would not regard the "Innocent Heart" as such a rare endowment.

A heart like a child’s, untainted by dust, is fearless of the contamination from the Turbid Tide.

Whether roaming the void, seeking the internal landscape, or engaging in Meditation Visualization, all would yield twice the result with half the effort.

If they do not die prematurely, they are destined to become a Ghost Immortal!

"The aura emitted by that person is undoubtedly from the ’Three Yang Tribulation’ and is within a hundred miles around Yihai Prefecture.

If I hadn’t been wielding the Daoist Official’s Golden Seal, bestowed by the Dragon Court, deeply connected with the surrounding mountains and waters, and coincidentally in meditation, perfectly attuned to the void, I would have missed it."

Master Xuanji pondered carefully, his eyes gradually growing solemn:

"This scoundrel is so brazen, with no intention to conceal his tracks, clearly dismissing the two Daoist Officials of Yihai Prefecture, and his Daoist skills are probably not low.

Well, well, well, after waiting so long, we’ve finally hooked a big fish!"

The Daoist Official of Zhi Xin Temple suddenly clapped his hands, as the Thousand-Year Dragon-Slaying Wood merged into his Divine Soul, bursting forth with a vigorous, leaping, heavy azure light, indicating a surge in murderous intent.

He wanted to claim credit and let Zhi Xin Temple overshadow Yuanyang Temple, so naturally, he made comprehensive preparations.

"Backed by the Dragon Court, how could I fear rebels, even if faced by the White Sun Sect Leader himself, should he dare to show his face, Grand General Zhao from Celestial Water Prefecture, Sect Leader Yan Xin of the Meridian Sword Sect, would all come across the void immediately, ensuring he is thoroughly contained within Yihai Prefecture."

Master Xuanji picked up his pen, leaned over the desk, and after a while, placed the densely written purple Talisman Paper into the Elephant-headed Vajra Copper Incense Burner.

A flame sparked, burning it to ashes.

"It is said that Kou Qiuyue, the former Daoist of the Meridian Sword Sect, was enticed by the White Sun Sect, leading him into demonic ways, falling into the Turbid Tide.

Yan Xin even swore a heartfelt vow to the Great Way of Heaven and Earth, henceforth, upon seeing any disciple of the White Sun Sect, regardless of age or gender, they shall be slain without hesitation.

He also commands his disciples to adhere to this rule."

Master Xuanji watched the Talisman Paper burn to the end, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips:

"I’ve already coordinated with the elders of the Meridian Sword Sect, just waiting for you to show yourself."

He accused the Four Reversals Demon Sect of being the White Sun Sect, and publicly announced that in three days, he would perform a ritual to thoroughly search in and around Yihai Prefecture, forcing the hidden remnants of the White Sun Sect in the city to reveal themselves.

"With the Four Cultivation Grandmasters Chen Xing, the Pai Bang Leader Hong Jie, along with Elder Chongxu of Yuanyang Temple, and an elder from the Meridian Sword Sect—these Divine Power Giants, they are confident in holding ground."

...

...

Outside Celestial Water Prefecture, towering peaks rise like two formidable barriers, giving the impression of a guarded gateway.

From a distance, it appears as if a heavenly sword has cleaved a wide path, with flowing springs and cascading waterfalls, white cranes dancing in the glowing sunset—a grand scene of Immortal Family majesty.

Along the smooth official road leading to the Mountain Gate, horse-drawn carriages and people move in an unending stream, including even armored soldiers escorting, signaling distinguished status.

Standing at the foothill and looking up, you see the mist churning, revealing faint glimpses of palaces and pavilions akin to a mirage, invoking a sense of reverence.

Yet, the countless commoners of Celestial Water Prefecture understand one truth.

Do not approach the Upper Sect Mountain Gate unless you possess a token or credential and express your intention for an audience.

Otherwise, crossing into the eight hundred-mile forbidden area equates to intruding the Mountain Gate.

No matter your background or status, you will be slain on the spot.

Even the nobility of the Eight Pillars of the Realm and the Daoist records conferred by the Dragon Court are no exception.

This is the rule of the Meridian Sword Sect, and also a manifestation of the Upper Sect’s domineering authority.

Once the ban is in effect, princes dismount from their horses, officials halt their steps.

Hence, it is often joked that the Red County Divine Land is jointly governed by the Dragon Court and sects.

While below the mountain, one must abide by the king’s law; while on the mountain, one must adhere to the precepts.

Whether the king’s law outweighs the precepts, or if the precepts slightly undercut the king’s law, depends on whose "strength" prevails in a test of might.

...

...

Within the Meridian Sword Sect, a deep purple smoke suddenly rose from the large cauldron placed in the lower courtyard, lingering without dispersing, drifting into the two guardian beasts at the entrance.

In the main hall on the high points of the main peak, four copper pillars stood, carved with flowing cloud designs, before a three-tiered platform where a tall elder with the appearance of a child opened his eyes.

His fingers spread wide as if employing exquisite techniques of dragon grasping and crane controlling, summoning a rolling airflow and swirling purple smoke from afar, which revealed lines of vigorous writing, the Daoist Official’s Golden Seal affixed at the bottom.

"The White Sun Sect... Do these remnants still dare to show their faces? This must be reported to the elders of the upper courtyard."

The elder called upon his attendant disciple, instructing him to sound the bell in the lower courtyard.

Shortly, the resounding sound waves reverberated through the Meridian Sword Sect Mountain Gate, echoing from afar, crossing peak after peak and reaching the inner courtyard of the upper courtyard.

"The thieves of the White Sun Sect? Just the prey to test the sharpness of my sword!"

"I thought we had eradicated all White Sun Sect followers around Celestial Water Prefecture, yet remnants still persist!"

"Where did this news come from?"

"Yihai Prefecture?"

In the inner courtyard of the upper courtyard, seven or eight spirited young men gathered, all dressed in blue silk robes, some with swords at their waists or across their backs, adorned with three or four silver tassels.

Once the words "Yihai Prefecture" were spoken, all expressions of righteous indignation and eagerness to act abruptly ceased.

The talented disciples of the Meridian Sword Sect’s inner courtyard seemed to have been throttled, exchanging glances in silence.

As if fearing to mention some forbidden incident, provoking the stern reprimand and severe punishment of the elders and heads.