Chapter 846: The Sealed Door

Ye Mo found Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling at his residence, quickly understanding their predicament. His dwelling was surrounded by numerous Chi Gathering and Foundation Establishment cultivators, clearly awaiting his return. Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling, anxious and helpless, waited inside.

Two Chi Gathering level 8 cultivators stopped Ye Mo. "Stop. No one is allowed near here."

Ye Mo responded by kicking them both tens of meters away. He refrained from killing them, aware of the sect's rules.

"Ye Mo!" "Brother!" Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling, having heard the commotion, rushed into his arms. Seeing them eased his mind. He knew his next opponent would be a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, possibly even a Golden Core cultivator.

While confident, Ye Mo knew he couldn't defeat a Golden Core cultivator at his current Foundation Establishment level 3. Reaching level 7 or higher would offer a sliver of hope. He could only pray Li Bailsen hadn't reached the Golden Core stage.

"Brother, you must leave immediately," Ye Ling said. "Li Bailsen trapped us here as bait, claiming you killed Li Bailin."

Song Yangzhu remained silent, knowing Ye Mo wouldn't abandon them. Ye Mo patted Ye Ling's shoulder, a gesture she understood.

His spirit sense revealed two Chi Gathering cultivators informing Li Bailsen of his return. He didn't attempt to flee, knowing escape was impossible. He felt a powerful, hidden spirit sense—a Foundation Establishment tertiary stage cultivator, at minimum—observing the situation.

He wouldn't have feared this alone, but Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling's presence prevented escape. He assessed their cultivation levels: Song Yangzhu was Chi Gathering level 3, and Ye Ling, level 4.

Turning to Song Yangzhu, he asked, "Why are you here? Where's your master? Did she not care?"

Song Yangzhu explained, "We were progressing well, but ten days ago, two Golden Core elders summoned Master to an ancient ruin."

Ye Mo understood Li Yuqian's absence wasn't betrayal but a forced departure.

Ye Ling continued, "Days after Master left, we heard of an outer sect disciple challenging Fu Yishuang, the top Chi Gathering cultivator. We came to see if it was you. Getting out was surprisingly easy."

Song Yangzhu confirmed, "Yes, we arrived and were immediately confined. If Li Bailsen hadn't been trying to lure you back..."

Ye Mo's anger simmered, replaced by a growing resolve. He realized Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling's easy exit from Yan Yuan Peak indicated a traitor in their midst, bought by Li Bailsen.

He decided to extract them immediately. He envisioned building his own power, mirroring Luo Yue on Earth, ideally in the South Peace State, even if it meant starting from the bottom. The North Far State, with its lower cultivation levels, seemed suitable for establishing his foundation.

"Perhaps one day, I can build a sect that dominates the Luo Yue Continent," he murmured. Power meant resources; building his own power eliminated dependence on others.

"Brother, do you want to build a Luo Yue City here?" Ye Ling asked softly.

Ye Mo nodded. "Yes, though I haven't decided on a city, your idea is good."

"Brother, you've been here before? Why does our Luo Yue City share the continent's name?" Ye Ling questioned.

Ye Mo chuckled awkwardly, pulling them along. "Let's discuss that later. We'll go to the mission hall first."

His intent wasn't missions, but trading a level 3 beast pill and spirit herbs for a Ming Yuan pill, capable of elevating cultivators below Foundation Establishment level 6. Its single-use nature and side effects didn't concern him; he possessed the 10000-year-old Stalagmite Marrow and Stalagmite Pill to mitigate those effects. Failing that, he could trade his Bitter Ten Years pill.

He reached the door, only to be stopped by a middle-aged Foundation Establishment cultivator and several Chi Gathering cultivators. Hundreds of disciples observed from afar.

Ye Ling and Song Yangzhu recognized the cultivator's attire, indicating his Foundation Establishment status. Ye Ling whispered, "Brother, that's a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

Ye Mo squeezed Ye Ling’s hand and addressed the cultivator. "This is my residence. What are you doing here?"

The cultivator sneered, "I'm telling you to leave, or I'll teach you a lesson!"