While Chu Feng and the others were making their journey...
A war chariot enveloped in radiant light was speeding through a spatial tunnel.
Only two people were inside the chariot — Ji Mo Qian Zhou and Baili Zilin.
Both wore grave expressions.
After the matter of the Sacred Awakening Realm had concluded, both Ji Mo Qian Zhou and Baili Zilin had been dealt a severe blow.
Baili Zilin's suffering was naturally due to his ruined reputation.
As for Ji Mo Qian Zhou, witnessing the Zhao Ancestral Immortal Clan had made him realize that even without Jie Tian Ran, he could never reign supreme over this vast cultivation world.
But recently, they had received an exceptionally dreadful piece of news.
Song Yun had emerged from the Demonic Prison Tower.
The Demonic Prison Tower was a trial that any criminal of the Prison Sect could undertake. As long as one could survive it, all of their crimes would be absolved.
But to this day, not a single person had ever emerged alive from the Demonic Prison Tower.
Song Yun, however, had survived.
Although Baili Zilin had previously caused the phenomenon of crimson clouds filling the sky at the Spirit Infant Summoning Altar...
During this Awakening of the Saint Realm, his reputation had suffered a devastating blow.
At this very moment, Song Yun's survival from the Demonic Prison Tower would pose an immense threat to Baili Zilin's standing within the Prison Sect.
Most critically, there was a legend that circulated throughout the Prison Sect.
It was said that within the Demonic Prison Tower, there lay hidden an immense power of the Prison Sect — but this power could only be bestowed upon one who had endured the trial.
If that legend proved true, then Song Yun would become an even greater threat to Baili Zilin.
"Zilin, are you truly going to do this?" Ji Mo Qian Zhou suddenly spoke.
The news they had received was that although Song Yun had come out alive, her body was extremely weak, and she was recovering from her injuries.
Earlier, Baili Zilin had proposed an idea.
They would approach Song Yun under the guise of paying a visit, while Ji Mo Qian Zhou would find a reason to lure Yun Ao away.
Then Baili Zilin would threaten and entice Song Yun into revealing whether she had gained power within the Demonic Prison Tower.
However, Ji Mo Qian Zhou felt this approach was inappropriate.
The Ancient Faction and the New Faction were already at odds with each other.
Baili Zilin had previously attacked Chen Hui, which had already drawn the displeasure of the Ancient Faction.
But for the greater good, during the awakening at the Sacred Realm, the members of the Ancient Faction had still chosen to lend their support to Baili Zilin.
If Baili Zilin were to harm Song Yun now as well, the Ancient Faction would absolutely not let the matter rest.
"Uncle Qian Zhou, desperate times call for desperate measures."
"Besides, I know my limits."
"Song Yun is, after all, a member of our Prison Sect. Her talent far surpasses that of Chen Hui — in the future, she will be an indispensable fighting force for our Prison Sect."
"I won't actually hurt her, I'm just trying to scare her," Baili Zilin said.
"Fine." Ji Mo Qian Zhou agreed nonetheless.
After some time traveling, Baili Zilin and Ji Mo Qian Zhou arrived at the territory where Song Yun was currently recovering from her injuries.
This territory was under the control of the Ancient Faction.
Among its structures stood a palace that radiated an ancient aura — a treasure from the primordial era.
It was a healing treasure, containing an extraordinarily powerful restorative formation. At this moment, the magnificent palace cast its brilliant light in all directions.
Though it was deep into the night, the radiance illuminated the entire area as brightly as broad daylight.
As a result, even those who were not martial practitioners could clearly see the surroundings.
Around the palace, densely packed figures filled every direction — experts from the ancient factions within the Prison Sect.
They stood in neat formation, bracing for whatever was to come.
Their arrangement made it clear just how much importance was placed on Song Yun.
But that was to be expected — she was the only person to have survived the Demonic Prison Tower.
Someone like that — no matter what wrongs she might have committed, none of it needed to be questioned anymore.
She was the future of the Prison Sect.
"Such a grand display — they're really willing to go all out, huh."
As they drew closer, Baili Zilin remarked with a curled lip.
Activating this treasure required significant resources, and the current situation called for a full-powered activation — truly at any cost.
"If you were the one who sustained serious injuries, you'd receive the same treatment," Jimo Qianzhou said.
It was true that Jimo Qianzhou and Baili Zilin were of the new faction.
However, Jimo Qianzhou was still the Prison Commander after all.
In name, he held the authority to command the entire Prison Sect.
Upon seeing them arrive, the members of the old faction immediately entered the palace to report.