After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 93

Night Li’s single sword strike defeating Li Juetian spread like wildfire, instantly sweeping across the entire Northern Cultivation Region. Within the Xuan Yun Sect, the excitement continued unabated. Night Li’s name was no longer merely associated with “genius” or “opportunity,” but was truly equated with “powerful expert” and “pillar of the sect.” She had used her actions to prove that her status was earned through solid combat power, beyond dispute.

However, beneath the surface glory, the undercurrents within the sect grew even stronger due to the finalization of the quota for the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins exploration. This quota represented not only an immense opportunity but also the future balance of power and influence among the various factions.

The day after defeating Li Juetian, the atmosphere in the Lingxiao Hall was solemn and grave. Sect Master Xuanchengzi sat in the main seat, flanked by Elder Muyun, Situ Kuang (though still recovering from serious injury, his faction’s elder representative was present), Lingyunzi, Marvelous Sound True Person, and other core high-ranking members. This meeting would finalize the list of disciples heading to the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins, especially the most precious core exploration quotas.

Below the hall stood over ten young disciples with powerful presences, all outstanding true disciples of the sect, as well as elite disciples like Night Li who had been exceptionally promoted. Night Li stood among them, her expression calm. After yesterday’s battle, the restrained yet unfathomable aura around her caused several veteran true disciples nearby to secretly feel alarmed and dare not underestimate her.

Xuanchengzi’s gaze swept over the disciples below, finally resting on Night Li. A hint of imperceptible admiration flashed in his eyes as he slowly spoke, “The Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins are the legacy of an ancient sect, a place where opportunity and risk coexist. After multiple discussions by the Council of Elders, and considering the performance, strength, and contributions of the disciples over the years, we now announce the final quotas.”

Everyone held their breath.

“There are a total of five core exploration quotas.” Xuanchengzi’s voice was clear. “Sword Peak, Leng Ning!”

Leng Ning stepped forward, held his sword, and bowed to accept the command, his face expressionless. His formidable strength and superb swordsmanship made his selection beyond question.

“Sunset Peak, Su Qing!”

A female disciple with a gentle demeanor but bright eyes stepped forward. She was the personal disciple of Marvelous Sound True Person, skilled in both Pill and Martial Arts, and particularly adept at healing and detoxification, making her role crucial in a team.

“Artifact Hall, Huo Rong!”

Huo Rong grinned and strode out. His artifact refining skills were impressive, and his combat power was also quite fierce, which would be very beneficial for exploring the ruins.

“And,” Xuanchengzi paused, his gaze turning once more to Night Li, “Cloud Pill Peak, Night Li!”

As the name was announced, a momentary silence fell over the hall, followed by a series of low gasps. Although anticipated, hearing Night Li’s name officially included in the core group of five still shocked many. This signified the sect’s official recognition of her status as one of the leading figures of the younger generation!

Night Li’s expression remained unchanged. She took a step forward and bowed, “Disciple accepts the command.”

However, just as everyone thought the list was settled, an elder from the Battle Maniac Peak (whose surname was Tu, with a sinister face), representing the Situ Kuang faction, suddenly spoke, “Sect Master! The core quota is of great significance and requires utmost caution. Although Martial Niece Night Li possesses good strength, she has been in the sect for a short time, her cultivation has just entered the Spirit Mansion Realm, and she may lack experience. Furthermore, her frequent association with external forces (referring to Qin Yixuan of Azure Water Pavilion) makes it doubtful whether she can fully prioritize the sect’s interests in the ruins. This old man believes this quota should be given to my Battle Maniac Peak’s true disciple, Shi Long, as he would be a more stable choice! Shi Long has long advanced to the Middle Stage of the Spirit Mansion Realm, his combat power is formidable, and he is absolutely loyal to the sect!”

Upon this statement, the atmosphere in the hall immediately solidified. This was an open challenge and questioning of the Sect Master’s decision!

Shi Long, an exceptionally burly, muscular man standing among the disciples, had a look of craving and ruthlessness flash in his eyes upon hearing this. He took a step forward and loudly declared, “Disciple Shi Long is willing to go through fire and water for the sect and will certainly live up to the sect’s expectations!”

Clearly, this was a premeditated counterattack by the Battle Maniac Peak faction. Unable to deny Night Li’s strength, they sought to attack her on grounds of seniority, experience, and “loyalty.”

Xuanchengzi frowned. Before he could speak, Elder Muyun calmly interjected, “Elder Tu, your words are mistaken. In the cultivation world, the capable come first. What does short tenure matter? Night Li exposed the demonic presence in Black Water City of the Northern Territory, displayed her prowess in the sect competition, and yesterday defeated the Heavenly Blade Gate’s top talent. Her merit, her strength, and her character are clear for all to see. As for associating with the Azure Water Pavilion… what is wrong with normal interaction and mutual learning with the elite disciples of a friendly nation? Must all disciples of my Xuan Yun Sect isolate themselves?”

Elder Muyun’s tone was mild, yet every word was sharp, refuting Elder Tu’s objections one by one.

Lingyunzi also snorted coldly, “Lack of strength, so you rely on seniority? We Sword Cultivators only trust the sword in our hands! Night Li’s sword proved everything yesterday! If Shi Long is unconvinced, he can have a match with Night Li right now!”

Marvelous Sound True Person softly added, “Martial Niece Night Li also has knowledge in Pill and Array Arts, and her mind is meticulous, which is exactly what is needed for exploring ruins. Su Qing cooperating with her will complement each other well.”

Several heavy-hitting Peak Lords spoke in quick succession, firmly supporting Night Li.

Elder Tu’s face was grim, and he attempted to argue further. However, Xuanchengzi raised his hand to stop him, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority, “Enough! The matter of the quotas was decided by the Council of Elders and is not a trivial matter. Night Li’s merit and ability are sufficient for the core quota, and no further discussion is needed! Shi Long is also a true disciple prodigy and can join the Ordinary Exploration Team, which is also serving the sect.”

The decision was final! The Sect Master’s authority could not be challenged.

Elder Tu and Shi Long could only retreat, disgruntled and with reluctance in their eyes, but daring not to say anything more.

“The fifth core quota,” Xuanchengzi continued to announce, “will be held by my personal disciple, Xuantianzi.”

A young man with an extraordinary temperament, handsome features, and a profound aura like a deep sea slowly stepped out and bowed to accept the command. Xuantianzi, the Sect Master’s personal disciple, was constantly in secluded cultivation and rarely appeared, but his strength was unfathomable. It was rumored that he had long reached the Late Stage of the Spirit Mansion Realm and was publicly recognized as the number one among the younger generation in the sect. His selection was undisputed.

The five core members were thus confirmed: Leng Ning, Su Qing, Huo Rong, Night Li, and Xuantianzi. This combination possessed excellent offense, defense, support, investigation, and adaptability, truly a golden lineup.

Subsequently, the list of twenty Ordinary Exploration Disciples was announced, with Shi Long notably included, as well as a list of thirty Logistics Support Disciples.

“The spatial entrance to the ruins is unstable and can accommodate a maximum of fifty people entering simultaneously. All of you, assemble here five days from now, and Elder Muyun will personally lead the team to depart!” Xuanchengzi finally commanded.

“We respectfully obey the Sect Master’s decree!” All the disciples responded in unison.

The meeting concluded, and the crowd dispersed. As Night Li was about to leave, Elder Muyun’s voice sounded in her ear, “Lier, follow me.”

Night Li followed Elder Muyun to his cave dwelling above the sea of clouds.

“Sit,” Elder Muyun motioned for Night Li to sit down, personally brewed a cup of spirit tea, and pushed it toward her, a look of gratification on his face, “You handled today’s matter very well. To be unperturbed by favor or disgrace is the mindset of a true expert.”

“Thank you, Master, for your protection,” Night Li said respectfully. She knew that without the support of her Master and the few Peak Lords, the quota competition would not have gone so smoothly today.

Elder Muyun waved his hand, his expression turning somewhat solemn, “Now that the quota is set, there are some matters regarding the ruins that I need to inform you of in advance.”

Night Li listened attentively.

“The Ice Soul Profound Palace was founded by the ancient Ice System Supreme, the ‘Ice Emperor.’ Its core legacy, the ‘Ice Emperor Sealing Heaven Art,’ is immensely powerful but has long been lost. With the emergence of these ruins, various factions are keenly watching, and the danger within is far greater than the ancient tomb in Black Water City. Not only are there the ruins’ own restrictions and guardians, but you also need to guard against other sects, especially… small-minded individuals who might sneak in.” Elder Muyun was hinting at something.

Night Li nodded, “Disciple understands and will be extremely cautious.”

Elder Muyun mused for a moment, then lowered his voice, “Furthermore, I have reviewed the sect’s most ancient secret records, combined with some of your previous encounters, and I have a conjecture… Deep within the Ice Soul Profound Palace, there might be something related to ‘Reincarnation,’ perhaps… another clue to the fragment you are seeking.”

Night Li’s heart violently jumped! A Reincarnation Mirror fragment! As expected, her Master had guessed something! She forced down the excitement in her heart, remaining composed, “Does Master mean?”

“It is only a conjecture, without concrete evidence.” Elder Muyun looked at her with profound eyes. “But where there is smoke, there is often fire. The Ice Emperor was an exceptional powerhouse who touched upon the laws of time and space. It is not impossible for a treasure involving reincarnation to exist in the place of his death. You are favored by fortune and may be able to sense something. If you do encounter it, you must be extremely careful. You should fully understand the principle that ‘one’s own treasure is one’s own crime.’”

This was a warning to her that opportunity and danger coexist. Even if she found the fragment, she needed to consider how to safely retrieve it and avoid becoming a target.

“Disciple will keep Master’s teachings in mind!” Night Li responded solemnly. This news was vital to her! The Ice Soul Profound Palace journey, in addition to the sect mission and her personal cultivation experience, had now made finding the Reincarnation Mirror fragment her most important goal!

“Very well, you may go,” Elder Muyun waved his hand. “Prepare well these five days. Pills, talismans, and array plates: if you are lacking anything, you can draw them from the treasury. In this exploration, the most important thing is to preserve yourself. Coming back alive is the fundamental priority.”

“Yes! Disciple takes leave!” Night Li stood up and bowed deeply. Her Master’s care and advice brought a surge of warmth to her heart.

Leaving the cave dwelling, Night Li gazed into the distance, her eyes resolute. The core quota was set, and the clue to the Reincarnation Mirror fragment had emerged. Though the road ahead was perilous, it was also clearer.

She returned to her small courtyard on Cloud Pill Peak and immediately began preparations. Most of the materials on her list could be exchanged using her elite disciple authority. Simultaneously, she sent instructions to Lin Feng and others via the sub-mirror of the Reincarnation Mirror:

“The quota is settled, departing in five days. During my absence, all affairs of the You Pavilion will be decided by Lin Feng. Maintain stability, develop secretly, and do not act rashly. Focus on collecting detailed information about the history of the Ice Soul Profound Palace, known types of restrictions, and the top talents of other forces who might enter the ruins.”

Soon, Lin Feng replied, “Understood! Pavilion Master, please be careful! The information will be compiled and delivered within three days.”

With everything arranged, Night Li sat down cross-legged, adjusting her state to the optimal level. The Ice Soul Profound Palace, this ancient ice and snow secret realm, was about to become the trial ground for her to step onto a higher stage. There, she would find opportunities, challenges, potential allies (Qin Yixuan), and hidden enemies.

And she was ready to face everything!