The complete demise of their only Nascent Soul True Monarch meant the Haoyue Sect's fortunes had hit rock bottom.

The battle that followed quickly became a one-sided affair.

The three Golden Core Masters—Ling Qiyue, Meng Feiyu, and Fu Yin Xue—joined forces to hunt down the last remnants of the Haoyue Sect. They were an unstoppable force, leaving a trail of carnage in their wake.

Ling Changqing followed close behind with the other women, advancing methodically. They quickly fought their way from the bow of the ship to the stern.

"…I've sorted through all of that old ghost's memories. He has some good things hidden in his quarters, and there's hardly any security!"

Gong Ling's voice rang out.

"Where is it? Let's go take a look!"

Ling Changqing cut down the Pseudo Core Cultivator before him with a single strike and snatched the two Storage Magical Artifacts from his body.

He had already collected a great deal of similar loot along the way and was just waiting to sort through it all after returning home.

Following Gong Ling's directions, Ling Changqing advanced through a long internal corridor. By now, the cultivators who still dared to rush out and intercept him were few and far between.

A moment later, he successfully disabled the Array Restriction and burst into a hidden hall.

The method for breaking the Restriction also came from the Nascent Soul Ancestor's memories, relayed to him by Gong Ling.

The hall was rather empty. Aside from an Azure Gold Pill Furnace of ancient and peculiar design standing in the center, shrouded in golden light and purple mist, there was nothing else.

In front of the Pill Furnace, a handsome young cultivator in his early twenties was slumped on the floor.

His face was ashen, his aura was faint, and he looked as though he was on the verge of death.

Hanging from his waist were two fist-sized Storage Pouches, exquisitely crafted and shimmering with Spiritual Light. He also wore seven or eight translucent Jadeite Rings, which were likewise high-grade Spatial Magical Artifacts.

"Who are you?"

Ling Changqing stopped in his tracks, his expression grave as he asked the question.

'He's also a Golden Core Master, and probably a newly promoted one at that.'

The cultivator slowly opened his eyes and said weakly:

"Liu Chengbin, a former Core Elder of the Haoyue Sect. A poor wretch who was almost possessed by that old ghost. Are you cultivators from the Yunhe Sword Sect?"

"No, we're from the Ling Family of the Changqing Continent."

As Ling Changqing spoke, he took a step back instead of forward.

Before Liu Chengbin could react, several streaks of crimson light shot from Ling Changqing's hand, coiling around his body like living creatures.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

Liu Chengbin was shocked and began to struggle desperately, but in his extremely weakened state, it was useless.

The crimson streaks of light sank into Liu Chengbin's body without resistance, snaking up through his meridians and organs before unceremoniously invading his sea of consciousness.

In an instant, Liu Chengbin's eyes became dull and bewildered, then slowly regained their clarity.

Ling Changqing was currently communicating with Gong Ling. 'Does this method work?'

"Rest assured, Master. This is a Restriction technique from the Ancient Era, used by Immortal Great Powers to control their Spirit Beast Combat Companions. Not even a Nascent Soul True Monarch could break free from its control!

From now on, this guy is your most loyal slave and enforcer. You can have him guard your home, kill and commit arson, cheat and swindle—he'll do anything you want."

"That's good to hear!"

Ling Changqing breathed a sigh of relief. Trading thirty years of his Lifespan for this Restriction technique felt like a worthy exchange.

'In the future, whenever I encounter a suitable target, I can use this technique to imprison their Divine Soul, ensuring they will never betray me.'

"…Liu Chengbin, a cultivator of the Haoyue Sect, greets you, Master!"

Liu Chengbin struggled to his feet, then knelt and bowed to Ling Changqing.

Ling Changqing nodded, glancing at the Spatial Magical Artifacts on his body before asking:

"Are all these things that old man's entire fortune?"

"Yes, Master. He already treated my body as his own property, which is why he kept all these things with him."

As he spoke, Liu Chengbin removed the Storage Pouches from his waist and all the Jade Rings from his hands, presenting them to Ling Changqing.

'This is the entire accumulated wealth of a Nascent Soul Ancestor. There must be plenty of good things inside.'

Ling Changqing nodded in satisfaction. He took out several Third Grade Elixirs for restoring Magical Power and replenishing vitality from his own Storage Pouch and tossed them to Liu Chengbin.

"Take them quickly. I expect you'll have to join the battle soon!"

He was thinking that when the Haoyue Sect's remaining elite forces returned to provide aid, he could have Liu Chengbin help encircle and kill them.

"Yes, Master!"

Liu Chengbin replied, swallowed the Elixirs without hesitation, and sat down to meditate and recover his strength.

Ling Changqing let out a breath, his eyes filled with delight. The value of subjugating a Golden Core Level fighter was considerable.

'After this is all over, I can arrange for a Third Grade Spirit Vein Cave Mansion on Yu Long Island for Liu Chengbin to live in. He can cultivate in seclusion and stand guard there, which will be a better deterrent against any hostile foreign powers.'

'I can't believe there's also a Top Grade Magical Treasure-level Pill Furnace here. This must be the last of the Haoyue Sect's foundational treasures, right?'

Ling Changqing's gaze fell upon the imposing Azure Gold Pill Furnace, which stood there silently.

According to Gong Ling, this treasure was called the Shuoyue Qingyang Furnace, and it was one of the Haoyue Sect's most important foundational assets.

Compared to offensive or defensive Magical Treasures of the same grade, a Pill Furnace was undoubtedly far more valuable. After all, it was a strategic resource.

With a High Grade Pill Furnace and a sufficiently skilled Pill Master, a faction could continuously refine all sorts of high-quality elixirs, making it an indispensable asset for a power's growth and development.