Li Yun stood silently within the ruined cultivation chamber, carefully sensing the tremendous changes that had taken place within his body after this period of secluded cultivation.

He had successfully stepped into the sixth level of the Qi Sea Realm, and the power flowing through his meridians was far denser and stronger than before. All three of his cultivation arts had also reached the complete fifteenth layer, while even his intents had advanced once more through constant tempering and comprehension.

Compared to the moment he first entered Yin Cloud Mountain, his overall strength had increased by more than a single level. Whether in battle power, foundation, or understanding, he had undergone a clear transformation.

A thoughtful light appeared in his eyes as he slowly lowered his gaze toward the Five Elemental Bed beneath him.

Even after supporting such an intense cultivation session, the bed still released thin streams of five-colored energy that moved across its surface in perfect harmony. Those currents flowed continuously without disorder, as if they possessed a life of their own.

Metal energy shone with a sharp and brilliant aura, while wood energy carried rich vitality. Water energy moved with gentle softness, fire energy radiated steady warmth, and earth energy remained calm, heavy, and immovable.

The five elemental forces rotated in an endless cycle, nourishing one another while maintaining a stable spiritual environment around the bed.

Li Yun’s eyes brightened slightly as genuine admiration rose in his heart.

"This truly is an extraordinary treasure."

He crouched down and slowly ran his palm across the smooth surface, feeling the subtle elemental power hidden within it.

This treasure did far more than merely accelerate cultivation speed. It could stabilize a cultivator’s qi, reduce internal conflict between different energies, and calm the mind during dangerous breakthroughs where the slightest mistake could lead to failure.

For ordinary martial artists, such an item would be considered priceless, and entire sects might fight over ownership of it.

Even for Li Yun, who possessed many advantages of his own, it remained immensely valuable.

Its usefulness would become even greater in the future when he cultivated multiple arts at once or sought to comprehend elemental forces on a deeper level. With this treasure assisting him, countless difficulties could be reduced, while many hidden dangers could be avoided.

"There is no reason to leave something like this behind."

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Yun activated his storage ring.

A faint spatial glow spread outward as invisible ripples filled the chamber. The air around the ring distorted slightly, revealing the mysterious power hidden within the artifact.

He infused qi into the bed and tested its weight. Although it was clearly forged from extraordinary materials and far heavier than an ordinary object of similar size, it still remained within the limits of what the storage ring could contain.

With a wave of his hand, the Five Elemental Bed trembled lightly before shrinking under the pulling force of the ring.

In the next moment, it vanished completely into the storage space.

The center of the chamber was instantly left empty, making the ruined room appear even more desolate than before.

Li Yun slowly rose to his feet and swept his gaze around the chamber one final time.

The blood pool had long since dried, leaving behind only dark stains and a foul lingering scent. The ancient runes carved into the walls had been shattered beyond repair, and the hidden vault had already been emptied of every valuable resource.

The Blood Zombie Demon General had also died beneath Li Yun’s hands.

Everything worth taking within this underground settlement had already fallen into his possession.

There was no longer any reason for him to remain here.

He turned calmly and walked toward the tunnel exit with steady steps that echoed softly through the dark passageways.

As he moved through the underground tunnels, broken bat corpses still littered the ground. Scorched stone walls, shattered rock, and traces of violent battle remained as silent proof of everything that had happened here.

Before long, a ray of natural light appeared ahead.

Li Yun walked forward and stepped out from the depths of Yin Cloud Mountain.

Fresh air immediately greeted him, carrying the scent of trees and mountain earth. The sky above was vast and clear, completely different from the blood-soaked darkness hidden beneath the mountain.

Li Yun drew in a deep breath and allowed a faint smile to appear on his face.

"Time to return to the inn."

His figure blurred in the very next instant.

With the support of the Heavenly Lightning Codex and his greatly increased cultivation, his speed had risen far beyond what it was before. Blue lightning flickered beneath his feet as he shot across the mountain paths like a streak of thunder tearing through the land.

Trees bent violently in his wake, while dust rose high behind him and loose stones were sent flying from the sheer force of his movement.

Before long, Yin Cloud Mountain faded into the distance behind him.

Li Yun’s destination was already clear in his mind.

The Boulder Inn was where the people of the Martial Ascension Gate were still waiting for him and destination was just that.

A few hours later, Li Yun finally returned to the Boulder Inn.

After rushing back from Yin Cloud Mountain at high speed, traces of travel still clung to him. Dust lingered faintly on the edges of his robes, while the aura around him carried the sharp and violent remnants of lightning qi.

Yet despite the long journey, his posture remained straight, his breathing steady, and his expression calm.

The inn was far more lively than before.

Disciples of the Martial Ascension Gate moved throughout the halls and courtyard in groups, speaking in low but excited voices.

News of the Tea Ceremony had clearly spread. Many disciples glanced toward Li Yun the moment they noticed him, and the looks in their eyes were no longer ordinary curiosity.

There was admiration.

There was disbelief.

There was even awe.

After all, Li Yun had represented the Martial Ascension Gate at the Tea Ceremony and displayed shocking strength before the young elites of many forces. He had trampled opponents, protected the sect’s dignity, and forced others to acknowledge his name.

The moment he stepped through the main entrance, one disciple who seemed to be waiting for him immediately hurried forward and cupped his fists respectfully.

"Senior Brother Li, Peak Lord Shen Ming instructed us to inform him the moment you returned. He wishes to see you at once."