Xiao Fei, disguised as Zhang Yi, found himself blocked from ascending Golden Peak. With no other recourse, he removed his disguise, revealing Zhang Yi's true face.
"See who I am?"
The gatekeeping disciple looked up and saw a strikingly familiar face before him.
"Zhang Yi?"
Wasn't this the Zhang Yi they diligently studied every day?
He immediately recalled that Zhang Yi was long dead.
"Audacious! How dare you impersonate Zhang Yi, disrespecting a revered sage!"
The disciple prepared to charge Xiao Fei with gross disrespect.
Just as he was about to act to eliminate the threat to the people, Jin Wucheng appeared, descending from the peak with others.
"What is it?"
"Reporting, Senior Brother. This person dares to impersonate Zhang Yi and has deceived his way onto Golden Peak."
Jin Wucheng looked up and was startled. The resemblance to Zhang Yi was uncanny.
"Senior Brother Jin, it really is me! I'm not dead, look, this is my identity token.
I just don't know why my access to Golden Peak has been revoked."
While other things could be faked, identity tokens were personally issued by Jade Void Palace, one for each person, bound to their personal information.
Jin Wucheng took the token and examined it closely. Comparing it with the aura emanating from Xiao Fei, he confirmed its authenticity.
"Slap!"
"Blind fool!"
Jin Wucheng raised his hand and slapped the gatekeeping disciple hard across the face.
"Junior Brother Zhang! It's great that you're alive!"
Jin Wucheng strode forward and embraced Xiao Fei, his expression filled with emotion.
Even the disciple who had blocked Xiao Fei's path was now filled with regret, knowing he had obstructed a true immortal.
"Well struck! Well struck! Blind! What use do I have for these eyes!"
He then proceeded to slap himself several more times.
"Junior Brother Zhang, it's good that you're alive, quickly, come back to the mountain with me!"
Jin Wucheng took Xiao Fei's hand and led him up the mountain.
On the way up, Jin Wucheng couldn't help but discuss the events of the previous great battle.
Although he had accepted Zhang Yi's identity, he still harbored doubts. Certain minor details from the battle were only known to those who were present.
Xiao Fei, being one of the participants, answered fluently.
However, everyone had long forgotten the obscure Xiao Youde. No one believed that a mere True Immortal could have survived.
"I was surrounded and attacked by powerful demons. My physical body was shattered, and my soul was also damaged. Only a wisp of my remnant soul managed to escape!
Fortunately, I had some life-saving means and hid myself in an uninhabited place. I recuperated for many years, which is why I've only now returned to the sect."
Xiao Fei recounted the story he had prepared to Jin Wucheng.
Jin Wucheng led Xiao Fei directly to the summit of Golden Peak to meet the Peak Master, Immortal Lord Geng Jin.
This was Xiao Fei's first time meeting Immortal Lord Geng Jin in person since joining Golden Peak.
"Disciple Zhang Yi pays respects to Immortal Lord Geng Jin!"
Upon seeing him, Immortal Lord Geng Jin quickly returned a greeting of equal standing.
"Junior Brother Zhang Yi, please do not be so formal with your senior brother. You have already been accepted as a personal disciple by the Palace Master and appointed as the Peak Master of Moral Peak.
Your status now is on par with all the other Peak Masters."
Although Immortal Lord Geng Jin said this, he felt a pang of displeasure.
For such a junior, with no strength, no seniority, and no background, to be his equal was rather galling.
Previously, everyone thought he was dead, so giving him a high position was inconsequential. But now, having a living person before him was somewhat irksome.
Fortunately, Xiao Fei was aware of his own limitations and maintained a very humble demeanor, still regarding himself as a junior before Immortal Lord Geng Jin.
This made Immortal Lord Geng Jin feel much better.
He chatted enthusiastically with Xiao Fei for a while, even offering some guidance on cultivation.
This gesture, besides normal relationship-building, was also an implicit reminder that while they were both Peak Masters, he was still the senior in terms of cultivation and strength.
"From now on, Junior Brother Zhang is no longer an ordinary disciple of Golden Peak, but the Peak Master of Moral Peak.
Of course, Golden Peak will always welcome Junior Brother Zhang to visit."
After a brief, formal exchange, Immortal Lord Geng Jin subtly signaled for Xiao Fei to leave, showing no intention of further deep discussion.
Moreover, Golden Peak could not accommodate such a distinguished figure.
If such a great being were to remain, who would the disciples of Golden Peak obey, him or Zhang Yi?
As for where Moral Peak was located, he had no idea.
Xiao Fei bowed and took his leave from Immortal Lord Geng Jin, then descended Golden Peak accompanied by Jin Wucheng.
However, by this time, the news of Zhang Yi's survival and return to the sect had already spread throughout Jade Void Palace.
Despite their usual animosity, the disciples could not hide their curiosity and flocked to catch a glimpse.
When Xiao Fei emerged from Golden Peak, a crowd of Jade Void Palace disciples had already gathered at the foot of the mountain, forming a dense, impenetrable circle.
Many more disciples were still on their way.
"He's here! He's here!"
"Everyone look! The one walking at the front is Zhang Yi!"
"Wow! So this is what a True Immortal looks like!"
As a public figure, Zhang Yi's every word and action was under scrutiny.
He descended Golden Peak and quickly cupped his hands in greeting to the many disciples of Jade Void Palace.
...
Beyond the Five Peaks of Jade Void Palace's rear mountain, a colossal immortal mountain floated in the air.
The concentration of immortal energy on this immortal mountain far surpassed that of the rear mountain's Five Peaks.
The true center of power for Jade Void Palace was situated atop this floating immortal mountain.
At this moment, a communication talisman flew to the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace.
The Palace Master of Jade Void Palace took the talisman and, after scanning it with his divine sense, frowned.
"He's not dead?"
"I was too careless this time!"
"Fine, since I have publicly made a promise, I must honor it. I shall go and see him!"
Instantly, the Palace Master of Jade Void Palace vanished from his spot.
The next moment, he appeared before Golden Peak mountain. Adjusting his expression, he appeared more enthusiastic.
"Hahaha... You are still alive, truly a blessing for Jade Void Palace!"
The Palace Master's appearance immediately drew all attention. All the disciples of Jade Void Palace present bowed in unison to the Palace Master.
"Greetings, Palace Master!"
"There is no need for such formality, everyone!"
The Palace Master of Jade Void Palace commanded great respect among the disciples. He lightly cupped his hands in return to the assembled disciples.
"Zhang Yi's survival is not only a blessing for Jade Void Palace but for the entire immortal realm. From this day forward, all disciples should learn from Zhang Yi!"
He then affectionately took Xiao Fei's hand and inquired about various matters, showing great familiarity.
"I had previously promised to take you as my personal disciple and appoint you as the Peak Master of Moral Peak. Do you accept?"
"Disciple pays respects to Master. Thank you, Master, for your great favor!"
Seeing such a golden opportunity, how could Xiao Fei let it slip away? He quickly bowed and expressed his gratitude.
In the past, he could only seek guidance from Zhu Yu for anything he didn't understand. Now, he had gained a Master, which was even better.
Furthermore, all the Peak Masters were Immortal Lords, but he couldn't discern the Palace Master's strength.
However, according to legend, the Palace Master's cultivation was above that of an Immortal Lord.