The Post Sky Tipping Era
Chapter 618 - 440: Winning Over the Expert

Chapter 618: Chapter 440: Winning Over the Expert

Half a day later.

A massive auspicious cloud rose into the sky from within the Imperial Court, flying towards the outskirts of the city.

Tianjiangzi, who had lost both arms and suffered severe injuries, gazed at the vanished Tianyi Palace and the countless corpses of his senior and junior brothers scattered on the ground. His face was filled with grief and sorrow as tears slowly fell from his eyes. Yet, he had no other choice; he had to comply with the demands of the Heavenly Dao Sect. Otherwise, tonight, corpses would litter the Imperial City.

Although the losses were immense, at least the sect’s lineage had not been completely severed.

At this moment, atop the auspicious cloud, dozens of disciples from the Heavenly Dao Sect were rescued. Each bore severe injuries, missing arms or legs, clearly having endured great torment. Many were barely clinging to life; had the rescue been delayed, it’s likely none of them would have survived.

"A once-mighty Heavenly Dao Sect, with its nine branches and tens of thousands of disciples at its peak—now reduced to this?" Divine Lady Yun Feizi sighed deeply, her heart heavy with sorrow. She had witnessed the sect at its zenith and now bore witness to its downfall.

The stark contrast was difficult to accept all at once.

Though they narrowly escaped death, there wasn’t even a trace of joy on anyone’s face.

The Heavenly Dao Sect was now but a shell of its former self. For these remnants, what would their future hold?

Li Yi, however, remained silent. Utilizing the Cloud Ascension technique, he transported them back to the Tao Court. Then, returning to the scorched Baihua Pavilion, he offered its spacious grounds for the group to rest and recover. Subsequently, he brought out Spirit Stones, Elixirs, and Life Repair Cabins to help these disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect heal their wounds and restore their missing limbs.

His efforts weren’t simply acts of goodwill—they were driven by his desire to repay the debt he owed the Heavenly Dao Sect for imparting their teachings to him.

During the rest period, Li Yi took stock of the spoils he had gained.

Two supreme Daoist skills: Big and Small Ruyi and Flipping Rivers and Seas.

Low-grade Dao Artifacts: Purple Gold Gourd and Five Elements Bracelet.

Mid-grade Dao Artifacts: Red Jade Trigram Furnace and Tianyi Palace.

Top-grade Dao Artifacts: Xuanhuang Seal and Heavenly Sword.

Among them, the Purple Gold Gourd and Five Elements Bracelet were primarily suited for storage purposes. The Red Jade Trigram Furnace was an Alchemy Furnace, while Tianyi Palace, a residence-level Dao Artifact, could also serve as a storage Dao Artifact.

As true combat weapons, Xuanhuang Seal and Heavenly Sword stood out.

However, Li Yi had yet to master the Big and Small Ruyi spell, and his Mana wasn’t strong enough to wield the Heavenly Sword at this time. Fortunately, the Xuanhuang Seal was less demanding and could be used normally.

Additionally, Li Yi possessed the Glazed Golden Light Mirror, a Treasure of the Xuanxian Continent.

He pondered on the strength comparison between Treasures and Dao Artifacts.

Speaking of the Glazed Golden Light Mirror, he recalled the Sword Coin’s warning that the Treasure contained a strand of Taixian Weng’s Primordial Spirit. Once used, Taixian Weng’s Primordial Spirit would awaken, manipulate the Glazed Golden Light Mirror, and launch a deadly strike—a threat impossible to evade.

"With my current strength, can I overcome a strand of Taixian Weng’s Primordial Spirit?"

Li Yi’s gaze shifted, curiosity flashing in his heart. He was tempted to test his mettle, given his significant evolution. However, considering the current circumstances, he decided against it. He would delay confronting this hidden threat until the more pressing matters were settled.

After resting for two days.

Nearly everyone’s condition had recovered. No longer carrying the air of despair, they regained vitality and energy. With spirits restored, their fighting determination rekindled as discussions of their future began.

"The Heavenly Dao Sect has now fallen, and rebuilding is near impossible. In this End of Dharma era, Daoist skills have vanished. We must consider long-term plans. However, whatever decision we make relies on Taiyi’s insights. I’ve already gifted the Xuanhuang Seal from the Immortal’s lineage to Taiyi. Whatever decision Taiyi makes, I will fully commit to it." Xuan Yuezi spoke at this juncture.

"Has Taiyi really assumed control of the Xuanhuang Seal?"

No one raised objections—over the past two days, they had come to understand the events that transpired. They recognized that Taiyi had defeated the Tianyi Sect and rescued them, making him their benefactor. Though Taiyi’s cultivation level was modest, at merely the Five Qi Realm, he had achieved something unprecedented: mastering twelve strands of Heart Fire Qi and concurrently practicing the new methods, showcasing formidable strength.

Immediately, everyone’s gaze turned toward Taiyi.

Among them, a Daoist from the Protectors’ lineage respectfully bowed and spoke, "We are all lost and directionless now. Taiyi, I implore you to take leadership, guide us disciples, and find a path to survival."

"Taiyi, the Heavenly Dao Sect has dwindled to merely this handful of survivors. We all listen to you—whatever you say, we shall do." Divine Lady Yun Feizi followed suit.

"I also follow your lead, Taiyi."

Xiang Xiangzi, with an outlandishly delicate demeanor, chimed in—her appearance misleadingly gentle.

Li Yi’s silver eyes swept across them before responding, "I am not a disciple of the Heavenly Dao Sect. However, receiving the Immortal’s teachings and wisdom was a tremendous grace; thus, I spared no effort in aiding you. Now that everyone has recovered, I should, in principle, take my leave and avoid interfering in the sect’s affairs. Yet, since you all wish to hear my opinion, I will say a few words."

"The Tianyi Sect, though severely weakened, still retains thousands of armored soldiers within the Imperial Court. Eventually, they will command the four corners—a rising tide impossible to resist. In this End of Dharma era, cultivation is no longer feasible. Why not follow me elsewhere, seek a haven, and let go of the hatred burning in our hearts?"

"Taiyi speaks wisely. Where shall we relocate then?" someone asked.

Divine Lady Yun Feizi thought for a moment before responding, "I recommend going to Baoting. Back when Spiritual Energy was scarce, Baoting was mostly home to loose cultivators. Now, in this End of Dharma era, many cultivators have reverted to mortal life. Presumably, there are no conflicts like those between major sects. Even if such disputes exist, we, as outsiders, can avoid entanglement and live peacefully."

"Where is Baoting?" Li Yi asked.

Divine Lady Yun Feizi immediately waved her hand, releasing a map with her Mana. A map floated in the air before them: "Beyond Feixing Island, across Beifeng Sea, lies an isolated large landmass offshore. That is Baoting’s location."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi felt a sense of familiarity.

He remembered flying aimlessly on Good Wings, exploring offshore regions. He had indeed seen a new continent populated with people, teeming with prosperity.

"Baoting, huh? Not bad. Let’s head there."

Li Yi agreed, indifferent about the destination so long as the group left the Tao Court and steered clear of any involvement with the Tianyi Sect. He had no desire for further battles; his true aim in arriving in this world was for cultivation and recruitment of powerful allies.

"In fact, Baoting isn’t entirely foreign to us. I recall our Heavenly Dao Sect had a foothold there. What its current state is, we’ll only know upon arrival. Since the End of Dharma began, we’ve lost contact; perhaps the disciples there no longer associate themselves with the Heavenly Dao Sect," Xuan Yuezi reflected aloud.

Li Yi remarked, "Since we’ve chosen to depart, I can’t disregard Senior Tu. I will ask if he is willing to go with us."

If even Baoting held no appeal for them, it was unlikely they’d agree to follow him across worlds. Li Yi wouldn’t force the issue but would instead seek other Tri-Floral Realm experts elsewhere.

He immediately rose, summoned Good Wings, and departed.

"I’ll go with Taiyi," Xiang Xiangzi volunteered with a sultry tone.

Li Yi replied, "No need, Immortal. Stay here and protect everyone to prevent unforeseen troubles. I shall return shortly."

Li Yi declined her offer and quickly left on Good Wings.

"Leaving so hurriedly—how could I possibly devour you?" Xiang Xiangzi muttered mournfully.

Li Yi flew around the city briefly before finding Tu Daoist near the ruins of Heavenly Fragrance Building. There, Tu Daoist crouched on a charred wooden beam, idly poking at ants on the ground with a strand of grass to pass the time. He knew about the recent upheavals in the Imperial Court, which explained his deliberate wait for Li Yi.

With Imperial armored soldiers preoccupied, Tu Daoist and other scattered cultivators had enjoyed a rare moment of peace.

"Senior Tu," Li Yi landed with Good Wings and bowed respectfully.

"Taiyi, you finally appeared—excellent!"

Tu Daoist was moved to tears. Grasping Li Yi’s hand tightly, he exclaimed, "Taiyi, if you hadn’t come, I would’ve been eaten out of house and home by those shameless folks! Quick, follow me to Zuixian Building. It’s completely packed with skilled cultivators I’ve arranged for you."

"Rest assured, Taiyi—they were all formidable at their peak, with the weakest at the Chao Yuan Realm. Many had cultivated atop blooming flowers. In today’s world, the Tao Court lacks everything but cultivators. With enough food and drink, calling them together is easy."

Saying this, he led Li Yi toward a direction.

Li Yi was slightly surprised.

He hadn’t expected Tu Daoist to be so diligent in recruiting experts for him over the past few days.

When they arrived at a place called Zuixian Building, Li Yi saw the tavern bustling with guests eating and drinking joyfully.

Li Yi even spotted Wu the Taoist standing on a chair, one leg raised, rolling up his Daoist robe, and arm-wrestling a fellow Daoist nearby.

Women dressed in Daoist robes sat nearby, cracking melon seeds, chatting about domestic matters.

The scene resembled one of festivity.

"Everyone, quiet down. Taiyi has arrived. Please listen to him speak. Once he has finished, you may resume celebrating," Tu Daoist shouted as he entered the tavern.

Taiyi!

The name carried an inexplicable allure for cultivators. Immediately, the noisy scene settled into silence.

Li Yi strode forward. His tall stature, robust Qi-Blood, and silver lightning flickering between his brows made him appear otherworldly—not like a cultivator of the End of Dharma era, but as an extraordinary being. His aura stood apart from all others present.

Tri-Floral Realm cultivators observed this solemnly, sensing the appearance of Dao principles—though, for now, they could not comprehend them.

Wherever Dao principles arose, it signified Taiyi’s presence could influence their destinies.

Chao Yuan Realm Daoists exhibited no such reaction but scrutinized Li Yi, their eyes revealing intrigue.

They, too, had heard rumors circulating over recent days.

It was said that someone named Taiyi, alongside several Immortals from the Heavenly Dao Sect, stormed the Imperial Court, seized Tianyi Sect’s Tianyi Palace, and supposedly decimated ten top-tier Tianyi experts. Even their armored soldiers suffered tremendous losses. That someone could achieve such feats in the End of Dharma era made Taiyi a figure worth meeting.

Otherwise, why would Tu Daoist’s invitation attract so many skilled cultivators in such a short time?

And this congregation was meticulously screened—had they welcomed all, Zuixian Building would’ve been filled beyond capacity.

"Taiyi, a humble junior, greets all seniors," Li Yi bowed respectfully.

Even if most of the attendees had lost their Mana and their realms had diminished, their past strength and current status warranted courtesy. Furthermore, given that some among them might eventually accompany him back to Earth, Li Yi was even more mindful not to offend.

For now, they seemed meek and unremarkable.

Once beyond this world, however, they’d become Tri-Floral Realm elite cultivators, masters whose status demanded even abstinence from consuming beef.

"Taiyi is most considerate," the seasoned cultivators hurriedly replied.

Instantly, the lively chatter and casual demeanor transformed into that of venerable Daoist seniors.

The sudden shift in atmosphere was hard to process.