Inside the Yushi Hall, the atmosphere was eerie.
The Grand Sect Leader.
This title represented a taboo, a legend within the entire Tianmo Sect.
Lu Ning’s mind instantly conjured the setting of this hidden character from the game Immortal Demon Era.
Liu Ningshuang.
She was the previous sect leader of the Tianmo Sect and Lu Ning’s master.
Like Lu Ning, she was a peerless genius who had disguised herself as a man to reach the pinnacle of the demonic path.
100 years ago, she was the undisputed strongest expert in the Northern Region.
By her strength alone, she had suppressed all the experts of the Northern Region until they couldn’t even lift their heads.
During that era, the Tianmo Sect’s prestige had reached an unprecedented peak.
However, at the height of her glory, she felt an endless sense of loneliness and boredom because she couldn’t find an opponent who could rival her.
Ultimately, she chose to abdicate and pass the position of Sect Leader to her only personal disciple, Lu Ning.
She then entered the forbidden area in the rear mountains of the Tianmo Sect, entering secluded meditation to strike at the legendary and elusive Tribulation Transcendence Realm.
This seclusion had lasted for 100 years.
In 100 years, the world had changed drastically.
This former number one expert of the Northern Region had gradually been forgotten by the world, becoming a name that existed only in legends.
In the game, the character of Liu Ningshuang was more like a background element — a hidden figure used to emphasize the deep foundations of the Tianmo Sect.
Lu Ning had played the game for so long yet had never seen her in the main storyline.
In the game, a character breaking through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm meant passing the game, and after passing it, one was invincible in the Northern Region.
At the same time, the player would gain testing qualifications for the second part of Immortal Demon Era.
The second part concerned the plot of the Middle Region, but Lu Ning hadn’t had time to research it before she arrived in this world.
‘Did Liu Ningshuang successfully break through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, leave this “tiny” Northern Region, and head for the much larger Middle Region? Or did she fail and perish during the breakthrough process, turning into a handful of yellow soil?’
It was all a mystery.
However, for the current Lu Ning, this was a perfect excuse.
It was a brilliant shield that could be used to soothe the hearts of the sect members and intimidate external enemies.
Thinking of this, Lu Ning came to a decision.
She slowly stood up from her throne, her indifferent eyes sweeping over the crowd below.
“I understand all of the elders’ concerns.”
“Although the Righteous Alliance is powerful, my Tianmo Sect is not a soft persimmon that can be squeezed by anyone.”
Lu Ning paused, her voice suddenly becoming sharp.
“I have decided that, effective immediately, we shall activate the highest-level mountain-protecting array — the Nine Nether Slaying Array!”
“No disciple is allowed to leave. Enter a state of maximum alert!”
“Furthermore, pass down my order to recall all disciples and elders training outside.”
“Those who disobey will be treated as traitors to the sect!”
Her words were powerful.
The overbearing nature and decisive slaughter typical of a demonic giant made all the elders present feel a shiver in their hearts.
“As for how to deal with the righteous forces…”
Lu Ning turned her gaze toward the forbidden area in the rear mountains, a flash of complex emotion crossing her eyes.
“I will personally make a trip to the forbidden area.”
“I will go to pay my respects to my master, who has been in seclusion for 100 years.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall instantly erupted.
Undisguised excitement and ecstasy appeared on the faces of all the elders. The Grand Sect Leader!
Their legendary Grand Sect Leader was really still alive?
If that number one expert of the Northern Region from 100 years ago was willing to act, then what did a mere righteous force matter?
For a moment, the atmosphere of unease and panic that had filled the hall was swept away.
In its place was an unprecedentedly high battle intent.
“We shall obey the Sect Leader’s command!”
Led by Elder Yanmo, the group of elders bowed once more.
Their voices were loud and full of confidence.
Lu Ning looked down at these elders, who were now fired up by her bluffing, and nodded in satisfaction.
“Very well, you are dismissed.”
Lu Ning waved her hand dismissively.
“Keep a constant eye on the movements of the righteous forces and report to me at any time.”
“Yes!”
After the elders received their orders, they quickly retreated from the hall with excited hearts.
Soon, only Lu Ning and Gu Qinghuan were left in the magnificent hall.
“Master…”
Gu Qinghuan walked to Lu Ning’s side.
Her cold eyes now carried a hint of deep worry.
“Are you really going to the forbidden area in the rear mountains?”
“Grand Master… she has been in seclusion for 100 years and has yet to appear.”
“I am worried that she may… she may have already…”
She didn’t finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.
Striking at the Tribulation Transcendence Realm was a path with nine deaths and one life.
Having no news for 100 years meant the most likely outcome was that she had failed and died.
Seeing her worried look, Lu Ning felt an inexplicable warmth in her heart.
She reached out and gently patted Gu Qinghuan’s shoulder, her voice carrying a hint of comfort.
“Qinghuan, you don’t need to worry.”
“My master’s strength is unfathomable; she cannot be judged by common logic.”
“As for whether she is still in the forbidden area, I will only know after I go and confirm it myself.”
Lu Ning’s words were half-true.
She did want to go to the forbidden area.
On one hand, it was to make the act more realistic.
On the other hand, she was indeed curious about the legendary Grand Sect Leader.
She wanted to know what kind of person this hidden character, who had never appeared in the game, really was.
After hearing Lu Ning’s explanation, Gu Qinghuan didn’t continue to persuade her, though the worry in her heart wasn’t completely gone.
“Then…” Gu Qinghuan hesitated for a moment before asking, “Can I go with you?”
She didn’t feel comfortable letting her master go to that place alone.
The forbidden area in the rear mountains was the most mysterious and dangerous place in the entire Tianmo Sect.
Not only were there powerful restrictions left by previous sect leaders, but it was also rumored to be guarded by terrifying demonic creatures left over from ancient times.
Even as the Holy Maiden of the Tianmo Sect, she didn’t dare set foot there easily.
Lu Ning looked at her hopeful eyes and eventually shook her head.
“There is no need.”
“Although you have broken through to the Mahayana Realm, your foundation is unstable. You still need time to consolidate your cultivation.”
“Moreover, the sect needs you to stay behind and take charge.”
“Don’t worry, I am only going to check the situation. Nothing will happen.”
Lu Ning’s words completely dispelled Gu Qinghuan’s idea of following along.
“Yes, Master. I obey your command.”
Although Gu Qinghuan felt a bit disappointed, she still responded respectfully.
“Alright, let’s head back as well.”
As she spoke, Lu Ning started walking toward the Sovereign Hall.
Gu Qinghuan followed quickly.
The two walked side by side, leaving long shadows on the lengthy palace path.
Soon, they returned to the familiar Sovereign Hall.
Lu Ning looked at the 1,000-year Profound Jade Bed that filled her with psychological trauma, and the corner of her mouth couldn’t help but twitch.
She just wanted to stay as far away from that bed as possible right now.
However, before she could think of an excuse to go to another room to rest, a soft and warm body quietly pressed against her from behind.
Gu Qinghuan’s voice whispered softly in her ear.
“Master, the condition you owed me before… isn’t it time to fulfill it?”
“You personally promised me back at Baihuagu that as long as I was willing to return to the sect and wait for you, you would unconditionally agree to any one request of mine once you returned.”
“Master, you wouldn’t want to go back on your word, would you?”
Lu Ning: “?????”