Chapter 66: Severing Ties

That was no ordinary residual soul!

The instant Ye Chentian's spiritual sense swept across Su Muqing's soul, his pupils contracted imperceptibly.

This shred of a residual soul was actually wrapped in imperial dao runes! Though fragmented and incomplete, it exuded an aura capable of suppressing the ages.

As for the black mist entangling her body, it originated from the exact same source as the devouring figure in her dreams; her primary soul was definitely wreaking havoc.

Very well. Having a Great Emperor's residual soul submit would not only add a formidable asset, but also allow him to leverage the Treasure Gathering Pavilion to control the resources of the Eastern Territory. It was a win-win strategy.

"Have you been having frequent nightmares lately? Is there a figure shrouded in black mist in your dreams, attempting to devour your soul?" Ye Chentian asked in a calm tone.

"How does the Sect Master know about this?"

Su Muqing jerked her head up, her eyes filled with shock as her mind instantly went blank.

This was the deepest and most terrifying secret she kept hidden in her heart, one she had never told a single soul. How on earth did he know?!

"Could the Sect Master be able to see right through souls? If so, perhaps... he really can save me!" Su Muqing thought to herself.

"You are not an ordinary cultivator, but the reincarnation of a shred of a residual soul belonging to an ancient Great Emperor."

"The black mist you speak of is none other than your 'primary soul'."

"After awakening, your primary soul sensed that this shred of a residual soul had condensed a portion of imperial dao comprehension, and it intends to devour you to complete itself. That is why it has been disturbing your soul through dreams. Once the primary soul manages to track you down, it will completely absorb you," Ye Chentian stated slowly.

Su Muqing felt as though she had been struck by lightning. She collapsed to the ground, her lips trembling. "A Great Emperor's residual soul... devoured by the primary soul..." All her past doubts were instantly cleared, leaving her feeling utterly chilled to the bone.

Was she merely "fodder" for her primary soul?!

Once the primary soul found her, she would be completely devoured, leaving not even a speck of dust behind!

No, she could not die! Everything belonging to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion could be abandoned, as long as she could survive!

"Sect Master, I beg you, save me!" Su Muqing prostrated herself once more, her forehead striking the golden bricks.

At this moment, she had no retreat left. She could only gamble all the resources of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, betting that Ye Chentian would extend a helping hand for the sake of those resources—this was her only chance at survival!

She cried out urgently, "Muqing is willing to offer all the resources of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion to serve the sect, and to be a beast of burden for the Profound Heaven Sect, if only you will spare my life!"

Ye Chentian nodded slightly, raising his hand in a gesture of intangible support. Su Muqing's reaction was entirely within his expectations.

Since she had willingly submitted, he would naturally step in to save her. Not only would he acquire a Great Emperor's residual soul, but he would also gain control over the Treasure Gathering Pavilion's resource networks. This transaction was an absolute profit with no risk of loss.

Ye Chentian spoke, "Since you are willing to submit, this deity shall protect you this once."

Before his voice faded, a wisp of golden-red intertwined flame abruptly surged into his palm. The outer layer of the flame was wrapped in a chaotic-colored halo, while the inner layer emitted a translucent, glazed luster.

This flame was the "Soul-Devouring Flame" transformed from the "Primordial Flame Dao Origin."

The Soul-Devouring Flame specifically countered soul-based malevolent entities; it could burn away the karmic ties of demonic mist while safeguarding the origin of the soul.

"Close your eyes, steady your mind, and do not resist," Ye Chentian said in a steady voice.

Su Muqing instantly felt her soul enveloped by a warmth that was both gentle and domineering.

The stabbing pain that had burned her day and night suddenly vanished. She could clearly perceive that the "soul thread" entangling her primary soul was melting away hiss by hiss under the flames.

This flame was truly miraculous! It could sever malevolent entities without harming her own soul. The Sect Master's strength was far more terrifying than she had ever imagined!

A moment later, a crisp "crack" echoed deep within her sea of consciousness.

That soul thread connecting her to the unfamiliar primary soul snapped inch by inch under the burning of the Primordial Soul-Devouring Flame!

Deep within her sea of consciousness, the black mist figure that had tormented her every night let out a reluctant roar and completely dissolved from her soul's perception.

"It is done." Ye Chentian withdrew the alchemy flame. The soul thread was severed, and the hidden danger of Su Muqing being devoured was thoroughly eradicated.

"Your connection with the primary soul has been broken. From now on, it will no longer be able to sense your location, nor can it devour your soul."

Su Muqing opened her eyes, feeling a lightness in her soul she had never experienced before. A flood of joy at having survived a catastrophe surged through her.

She had finally shaken off the threat of the primary soul! This debt of gratitude weighed heavier than that of her birth parents!

From this day forward, she belonged to the Profound Heaven Sect, and everything belonging to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion belonged to the sect!

She kowtowed heavily, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, Sect Master, for this gracious gift of a new life! From this day forth, Muqing pledges her absolute loyalty to the Profound Heaven Sect, with never a

"Since that is the case, I grant your request."

"The Treasure Gathering Pavilion shall be designated as an exclusive subordinate force of the Profound Heaven Sect. I hereby confer upon you the title of Outer Elder of the Profound Heaven Sect, overseeing resource allocation and enjoying an Elder's stipend. Furthermore, I bestow upon you three 'Great Emperor Soul-Nurturing Pills,' which will nourish your imperial soul fragments and help you condense a complete soul at an early date."

Su Muqing received the Great Emperor Soul-Nurturing Pills handed over by Ye Chentian. The moment the pills touched her hand, an unprecedented wave of warmth surged through her soul.

"These pills can actually nourish the imperial soul fragments directly. The Sect Master is willing to bestow even such precious treasures... This trust and heavy favor are something I can never repay in this lifetime!"

She looked at Ye Chentian, her heart filled with awe and gratitude.

"Rise. There is no need for excessive kowtowing; just devote yourself wholeheartedly to the sect's affairs from now on."

As his voice fell, a profound iron token engraved with the two characters "Profound Heaven" floated from Ye Chentian's palm, landing steadily in Su Muqing's hand.

"Should you encounter any thorny issues—whether it is harassment from any sect or internal turmoil within the Treasure Gathering Pavilion—you may present this token to enter the soaring heaven sword peak directly and seek Peak Master Ling Daochen, or go to the All-Phenomena Law Peak to find Peak Master Mo Chen. They will provide you with assistance."

The moment the token brushed against her fingertips, it spontaneously radiated a wisp of gentle spiritual energy.

This was the exclusive token of an Outer Elder of the Profound Heaven Sect. It not only granted free access to the various peaks of the sect but also mobilized partial permissions for the outer guardian mountain array.

Su Muqing received the token with both hands, her fingertips trembling slightly with excitement. This token was not only a symbol of identity but also the backing bestowed upon her by the sect!

With it, the Profound Heaven Sect became her most solid fortress.

"Thank you for your concern, Sect Master! This subordinate will certainly not fail your trust!"

"You may withdraw." Ye Chentian waved his hand.

Sword Master Ling Xiao and Su Muqing slowly retreated from the grand hall.

Ye Chentian's gaze returned to the sect map suspended within the hall.

Looking at the pale purple "subordinate force" identifier lit up on the map, a faint smile curved the corner of his mouth.

With the resource channels of the thirty-three states of the Eastern Territory now open, all that remained was to steadily advance the preparations for the Return to Ruins Secret Realm and the construction of the sect. The Profound Heaven Sect's foundation in the Eastern Territory would only grow more and more secure.

On the map, the region of the thirty-three states of the Eastern Territory belonging to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion had quietly lit up with a pale purple "subordinate force" indicator, echoing brightly from afar with the primary emblem of the Profound Heaven Sect.