After listening to the girl's explanation, Yi Feng's spirits lifted.
The embers of his previously ashen mood flickered back to life. His cultivation at the fifth rank of the Heavenly Tier was likely accurate—testing it against a sixth-rank expert might not be reliable, but if he could find a seventh or eighth-rank master, the results would be undeniable.
With this thought in mind, Yi Feng turned to Qing Yin Xianyun with a hopeful gaze.
"Miss Xianyun, do you know where I might encounter experts above the seventh rank?"
Qing Yin Xianyun was momentarily taken aback.
Seeing the anticipation in Yi Feng's eyes, she felt as though she were looking at a young man brimming with thirst for knowledge.
A wave of inexplicable emotion washed over her, leaving her sighing inwardly.
Yi Feng, despite his fifth-rank Heavenly Tier cultivation, had always kept a low profile, indifferent to worldly fame—proof of his extraordinary temperament.
Now, he was even inquiring about high-ranking experts, undoubtedly to further his own path of cultivation.
Such unwavering and pure dedication to the Dao was beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.No wonder.
Even in the impoverished and isolated land of Yunxing, Yi Feng had reached heights most could only dream of.
Her eyes filled with admiration, Qing Yin Xianyun regarded her benefactor with even greater reverence.
Yet, when their gazes met, she found herself at a loss for words.
Experts above the seventh rank of the Heavenly Tier were figures she had only heard of in legends. The idea of actually encountering one was far beyond her knowledge and experience. Had it not been for Elder Xiong's recent guidance—bestowing upon her a profound cultivation technique that led to her rapid advancement—even reaching the first rank of the Heavenly Tier would have seemed an impossible dream.
Elder Xiong?
At the thought of this increasingly enigmatic elder, Qing Yin Xianyun's eyes brightened.
"Yi Feng," she began, "you've been with our Moon God Pavilion for several days now. Have you heard of Elder Xiong's exploits?"
Yi Feng paused in recollection before nodding in realization.
"Elder Xiong… Oh! The one with the powerful backer? The elder who granted you that opportunity?"
Qing Yin Xianyun smiled and nodded.
"Yes, that's the one."
"Elder Xiong was once an ordinary member of our Moon God Pavilion, with unremarkable cultivation. But after joining a certain mysterious faction, his strength skyrocketed in mere days. He even helped me break through my bottlenecks, casually bestowing extraordinary techniques."
"The faction behind him likely houses seventh-rank experts—perhaps even stronger!"
"A few days ago, Elder Xiong sent word that he would return to the Moon God Pavilion, bringing with him a tremendous opportunity. He even instructed my master to begin selecting those with profound cultivation—at least elders—for a chance to join that mysterious faction."
Yi Feng couldn't help but suck in a cold breath.
Even elder-level cultivation wasn't a guarantee—merely a "chance" to join?
The standards were absurdly high!
Hearing this, Yi Feng was genuinely shocked.
The power behind Elder Wei was clearly extraordinary. With such stringent requirements, there had to be true masters within.
Who knew? There might even be an eighth-rank Heavenly Tier expert among them!
His curiosity burned brighter.
"Are you serious about this?!"
Qing Yin Xianyun's cheeks flushed with excitement as she spoke.
"Absolutely!"
"Elder Xiong didn't elaborate, but we all understand—this opportunity is once in a lifetime. He must have gone to great lengths to secure it, so the strict selection criteria make sense."
"Yi Feng, though you've only recently joined, your cultivation is exceptional, and you've already earned the status of an elder through your contributions. If you're interested in joining that transcendent faction, I’ll personally recommend you when Elder Xiong arrives."
"With your strength, a spot is practically guaranteed!"
Her words struck a chord in Yi Feng's heart.
Just as he was growing intrigued by the prospect of investigating this mysterious faction, she offered him an opportunity—even promising to introduce him. Her thoughtfulness moved him deeply.
Such camaraderie was the mark of a true friend!
The more he listened, the brighter his eyes shone, his eagerness barely contained.
"Thank you, thank you! Any idea when Elder Xiong will return?"
Seeing Yi Feng's renewed vigor, Qing Yin Xianyun smiled warmly.
"You’re too kind, Yi Feng."
"Elder Xiong initially said he’d return within days, but it seems urgent matters delayed him. Still, he should be back within a month."
Within a month…
That wasn’t too long. If he could truly enter that faction, it would be far better than blindly searching for leads elsewhere.
With the prospect of an eighth-rank Heavenly Tier expert within reach, Yi Feng nodded eagerly.
"Good! Thank you again, Miss Xianyun!"
Their conversation continued, the atmosphere growing even more harmonious.
Occasionally, Yi Feng would glance at the sea of clouds and the starry sky, his eyes alight with anticipation.