Chapter 1007: Arrival at South Peace State; Access to Black Ice Sect Denied

Ye Mo, still slightly dizzy from the teleportation, was immediately accosted by five cultivators upon leaving the formation. Each seemed exceptionally powerful; even the weakest surpassed the Hollow Spirit state, one reaching the peak of Body Condensation, the others exceeding it significantly. Ye Mo gasped. This was South Peace State? The spiritual energy was incredibly dense, and the cultivators, formidable.

“Greetings, seniors. I am Ye Mo,” he replied, acutely aware of his insignificance. Their power was overwhelming; they could kill him with a flick of a wrist. He wondered how such a concentration of high-level cultivators could exist, even in a powerful state like South Peace. He'd encountered four above Body Condensation already.

An old man examined Ye Mo and shook his head. “Impure spirit root. How could someone like him be recommended?”

Another cultivator echoed the sentiment, demanding to know Ye Mo’s spirit root and the reason for his recommendation. He showed no interest in testing Ye Mo's abilities.

Ye Mo realized that South Peace State wasn't teeming with Body Condensation cultivators. These individuals were assessing whether a teleported genius disciple had arrived, possibly for recruitment. Wanting no part in becoming a core disciple for any sect, Ye Mo replied respectfully, “I possess a Fire and Wood dual spirit root. A favorable relationship with a Disaster Transformation state senior secured me this recommendation.”

A cultivator scoffed, “So, North Far State Disaster Transformation cultivators abuse their authority for personal gain, wasting valuable resources and spirit crystals. Another slot squandered.”

A younger cultivator intervened, “Brother Han, such occurrences are unavoidable. It’s just one slot, and previous transfers from North Far State consisted mostly of genius disciples.” Turning to Ye Mo, he added, “You may go. Your dual spirit root disqualifies you from joining a nine-star sect. North Far State differs greatly from South Peace State. While achieving Golden Core at your age is noteworthy there, here, you’re on your own.”

Ye Mo thanked them profusely before departing.

Later, one of the cultivators mused, “Qi Liang, I sense something…off about that young man.”

Another, a Cauldron Filling state cultivator, replied, “What’s unusual? Golden Core at his age? Common in North Far State. Wealthy merchant associations often cultivate geniuses using copious pills, disregarding the resulting poison. I need no examination to see this boy is riddled with it. He’ll be lucky to reach Hollow Spirit.”

A third added, “His hasty retreat suggests he might not even reach Hollow Spirit. Regardless of pill poison, his spirit root limits his potential.”

Thousands of kilometers away, Ye Mo landed in Mo Hai City, a sprawling cultivation city vastly larger than Pei Hai. He learned that while in South Peace State, it was still hundreds of thousands of kilometers from the state capital. The teleportation formation from North Far State ended here. The city teemed with Hollow Spirit cultivators, while Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators were commonplace. Reaching peak Golden Core at his age was unremarkable here.

Entering a shop to inquire about the Black Ice Sect, Ye Mo was greeted by an attendant. “What can I help you with, friend?”

Several Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators were browsing.

“I’m looking for the Black Ice Sect,” Ye Mo said.

The attendant’s expression changed. “The Black Ice Sect? It’s located on Black Ice Mountain. Why the question?”

Seeing the attendant’s surprise, Ye Mo explained, “I have a friend there and wish to visit, but I’m unfamiliar with the area.”

The attendant’s shock intensified. Laughter erupted; onlookers stared at Ye Mo as if he were a spectacle.

A tertiary Golden Core cultivator inquired, “You wish to visit the Black Ice Sect to see a friend?”

Ye Mo frowned at the amusement.

The attendant, maintaining his composure, explained politely, “Friend, the Black Ice Sect is a nine-star sect. Access is restricted within a ten-thousand-kilometer radius. Even with connections, they must initiate contact. Only a sect document or an artifact from a Truth Realization state senior grants access to Black Ice Mountain.”

Ye Mo realized the absurdity of his plan. He’d envisioned a swift reunion with Luo Ying, but now learned he couldn't even approach Black Ice Mountain within ten thousand kilometers.

Observing Ye Mo’s daze, the attendant, concluding he wasn't a customer, turned to leave. Ye Mo stopped him. “Are all nine-star sects this restrictive?”

The attendant sighed. “Not just nine-star, but seven and eight-star sects as well. If you'd arrived six months earlier, you might have had a chance.”

“A chance?”

“A South Peace City cultivator social was held. Many sect core disciples attended. Black Ice Sect representatives were present. If you’d met a friendly disciple, they might’ve conveyed a message.”

Ye Mo produced one hundred top-grade spirit stones. “When is the next social?”

“Every three years. The next is in two and a half years, here in South Peace City.” He handed Ye Mo a jade slip containing a map of South Peace State.

Ye Mo muttered, “Two and a half years? No, that won’t do.” The attendant departed.