Once Li Yun returned to the Martial Ascension Gate, he was welcomed like a hero who had shaken the entire Southern Martial Domain.

Everywhere he went, countless disciples looked at him with admiration and reverence. His name had already spread throughout the entire Southern Martial Domain as the number one genius of the younger generation.

Furthermore, after receiving the title of Grand Elder, Li Yun’s status within the Martial Ascension Gate had risen to an astonishing height.

Aside from the Sect Master and a few terrifying old monsters who had remained in secluded cultivation for hundreds of years, almost nobody within the sect possessed a status higher than his.

However, Li Yun did not become intoxicated by this glory and authority.

He understood very clearly that titles, fame, and status were meaningless in front of true strength.

Without sufficient power, everything else was ultimately empty.

Therefore, after spending an entire day dealing with the celebrations and endless attention within the Martial Ascension Gate, Li Yun quietly entered secluded cultivation once again.

Although he had obtained the supreme glory of Heavenly Pride Supreme during the Hidden Dragon Tournament, Li Yun had absolutely no intention of becoming complacent because of it.

He understood one thing better than anyone else.

He was merely the Heavenly Pride Supreme of the Southern Martial Domain.

He was not the Heavenly Pride Supreme of the entire Martial Dragon Continent.

Within the Southern Martial Domain, his talent could indeed be considered unmatched among the younger generation.

But once he stepped into the outside world, such achievements would become far less impressive.

After all, the Southern Martial Domain was merely the weakest among the Four Great Martial Domains.

Compared to the truly vast world beyond, this place was nothing more than a small corner of the continent.

Li Yun’s ambitions had never been limited to the Southern Martial Domain.

His goal had always been the broader world beyond.

Because of this, he absolutely could not allow himself to become arrogant or satisfied over his current accomplishments.

Thus, the moment the celebration ended, Li Yun immediately secluded himself within his private courtyard and devoted himself completely to bitter cultivation.

There were far too many things he needed to accomplish.

The most important among them was increasing his cultivation realm and breaking through into the Essence Qi Realm as quickly as possible.

Only by reaching the Essence Qi Realm would he possess the qualifications necessary to protect himself after entering that vast and dangerous outside world.

His current cultivation at the seventh level of the Qi Sea Realm was still far too weak.

Because of this, Li Yun directly entered closed-door cultivation and instructed the sect elders not to disturb him unless the envoys from the Eastern Martial Domain arrived.

Time quietly flowed onward.

Before anyone realized it, an entire month had already passed.

During this period, Li Yun used the High Grade Spirit Stones left behind by the Dragon Emperor to cultivate at full speed.

The effects were astonishing.

In only a single month, Li Yun’s cultivation advanced explosively from the seventh level of the Qi Sea Realm all the way to Half-Step Essence Qi Realm.

He was now only a single step away from truly entering the Essence Qi Realm.

However, despite reaching this stage, Li Yun ultimately failed to complete the breakthrough.

The reason was simple.

He no longer possessed enough cultivation resources.

Inside the cultivation chamber, Li Yun slowly opened his eyes while a helpless expression appeared on his face.

"This Supreme Foundation truly possesses endless hunger..."

Li Yun let out a bitter sigh.

His cultivation foundation was simply far too terrifying.

Although such a monstrous foundation granted him combat power far beyond ordinary cultivators, the amount of resources required for each breakthrough had also reached an unbelievably exaggerated level.

Originally, Li Yun had hoped to completely break through into the Essence Qi Realm before leaving for the Eastern Martial Domain.

But now, he understood clearly that accomplishing such a breakthrough would not be easy without obtaining even greater cultivation resources.

At this moment, Li Yun suddenly recalled Elder Feiyu’s earlier words.

"The sect did mention that I would receive substantial rewards..."

Li Yun muttered softly to himself.

"I only hope those rewards will be enough to help me successfully break through into the Essence Qi Realm."

With those thoughts in mind, Li Yun finally ended his secluded cultivation and stepped out from his private courtyard.

However, the moment he emerged, a disciple came rushing toward him in panic.

"Elder Li Yun, it is fortunate that you have finally come out of seclusion!"

The disciple stopped before Li Yun while breathing heavily, his expression filled with urgency.

"The envoys from the Eastern Martial Domain have already arrived. Because of this, the Sect Master has summoned you to the Grand Ascension Hall immediately!"

Hearing this, a sharp light flashed through Li Yun’s eyes.

"So they have finally arrived..."

Li Yun nodded calmly.

"I understand."

The moment his voice fell, Li Yun’s figure instantly disappeared from the courtyard.

Whoosh!!

His body transformed into a streak of light that shot rapidly through the skies toward the Grand Ascension Hall.

...

A few moments later, Li Yun arrived before the enormous Grand Ascension Hall.

The hall stood majestically atop the mountain like an ancient divine palace. Vast and ancient pressure continuously spread from the structure, causing ordinary disciples to instinctively feel reverence toward it.

Without hesitation, Li Yun stepped into the hall.

The moment he entered, countless gazes immediately landed upon him.

Inside the Grand Ascension Hall sat the Sect Master of the Martial Ascension Gate alongside numerous elders of the sect. However, what truly drew Li Yun’s attention were the three unfamiliar young men standing proudly within the center of the hall.

The three young men wore luxurious robes embroidered with sword patterns and ancient runes. Sharp sword intent faintly radiated from their bodies, causing the surrounding air to feel unusually heavy.

Clearly, these people were no ordinary cultivators.

At the same time, the three young men were also observing Li Yun carefully.

The instant they sensed Li Yun’s cultivation realm, surprise immediately flashed through their eyes.

"Half-Step Essence Qi Realm?"

One of the young men narrowed his eyes slightly.