Chapter 717: Golden Core 3

“Moreover, the path of cultivation is smooth, with great fortune above, and regarded as a treasure by teachers. How could such a person have a Heart Demon?”

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch coughed, bringing the topic back: “All right, the discussion now is whether to respond to Lu Qian’s request and support the Yunshan Sect.”

The first Golden Core spoke: “I think it’s best to ignore. Firstly, a notice from the Star Origin Palace and Lanshan Island has arrived; we might as well give face. Secondly, we didn’t know Wu Yan possessed the Celestial Spiritual Root before, and only wished to help Yunshan Sect. But if Wu Yan grows smoothly, Yunshan Sect will become our competitor in the future—why aid a future rival?”

Another Golden Core said: “Those notices are merely private requests, not official proclamations from Ningzhou. It doesn’t matter if we agree or not. As for Yunshan Sect, I believe we can handle them a bit. They are quite proud and refuse to become our subordinates. Why not take this opportunity to pressure them? If Lu Qian agrees to submit, then we shall save him.”

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch’s expression remained unchanged, and he asked the first person on the lower left: “Youde, what is your opinion?”

It was indeed the Sect Leader of Spirit Beast Sect, Master Youde.

He did not dare to be careless, responding respectfully: “Uncle, I believe we should lend a helping hand.”

He glanced around the room: “Our Spirit Beast Sect excels in business. Isn’t this current situation the best investment?”

“Our intention has always been to support Yunshan Sect in guarding the northwest, to sever Qingzhou, providing a northern shield for our Spirit Beast Sect. Now that Wu Yan has potential, isn’t it even better?”

“Previously our sect has demonstrated friendliness and support toward Yunshan Sect. If we suddenly change, we will be ridiculed as lacking generosity, which will not benefit us in employing people in the future.”

“As for competition, thinking from another angle, why can’t it be cooperation? The conflict between our sect and the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect is intensifying. If we can bind Yunshan Sect to our chariot, jointly opposing the enemy, it would be splendid if we can erase one of them thoroughly.”

“If Yunshan Sect grows and becomes our ally’s asset, when Uncle advances further, there will also be additional support.”

“As for Ningzhou Star Origin Palace and Lanshan Island, we have no ties with them, so there is no need to care about such private notices. If saving Guh Niqiang offends them, we could also make good with the Nascent Soul Sect behind Danxia Sect, wouldn’t we? Furthermore, our Spirit Beast Sect has been stationed here for two thousand years; we don’t need Outer Province interference in whom we save or whom we draw in.”

“It’s easy to add flowers on brocade, but delivering charcoal in the snow is difficult. If our sect lends a helping hand this time, Lu Qian will surely be grateful.”

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch nodded slightly, then asked, “Xi Chan, what do you think?”

Xi Chan Daoist, who was dozing off, suddenly jolted awake, jumping up and saying, “Ah, Lu Qian is quite filial—”

“All right, all right.” Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch waved his hand helplessly, “You just keep saying that same thing over and over.”

“Xi Chan Junior Brother’s words are indeed correct,” Master Youde chuckled, “Everyone has seen Yunshan Sect’s development history. Reviewing Lu Qian’s actions over the past decades, his character is evident; he counts as a sincere gentleman, and as an ally, he’s reliable.”

The hall quieted down, everyone waiting for the Spirit Monarch’s decision.

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch slowly stood up: “Since it’s so, I will lend him assistance.”

Moments later, the Grand Array of Spirit Beast Sect’s mountain gate opened, and the Spirit Monarch’s Escape Light broke through the sky, heading towards Minglong Mountain.

But after traveling a hundred miles, Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch stopped, gazing at the person blocking his way, his tone sinking: “Sikong Sheng.”

Kai Xuan Spirit Monarch Sikong Sheng stared at him coldly: “May I ask Yuan Xu Brother to stay a while?”

At Xuanwei Sect’s mountain gate, the debate over whether to intervene and stop Qiming Spirit Monarch continued.

One Nascent Soul said: “No matter what, Yunshan Sect is a Cangzhou Sect. Now that an Outer Province Spirit Monarch has come knocking at their door, our sect, as the leader of Cangzhou, cannot sit idly by.”

Another Nascent Soul shook his head: “But this is their internal dispute in Ningzhou. Look at the two Nascent Soul forces in Ningzhou, Star Origin Palace and Lanshan Island—both have sent notices. But it’s only because Guh Niqiang hid in Minglong Mountain that drew Qiming Spirit Monarch’s arrival. Everyone, think about it: if we’re chasing a major criminal within our province, and they hide in another province, will we just stop?”

“In essence, it’s Yunshan Sect’s own poor use of personnel. Guh Niqiang’s identity is ambiguous; she’s both a Danxia Disciple and Elder Yunshan.” Another Nascent Soul snorted, “But ultimately, her Danxia identity comes first. If Qiming Spirit Monarch only demands Guh Niqiang, it would be better to let Yunshan Sect hand her over, preventing a conflict between the provinces.”

Miaomiao Profound Monarch closed her eyes, pondering deeply when suddenly a disciple came to report.

“Profound Monarch, the envoys from the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect are coming together.”

…

At Minglong Mountain, what should have been a day of great joy is now filled with a murderous air. Everyone has prepared to confront the formidable enemy as per Lu Qian’s instructions.

Lu Qian was sitting by Guh Niqiang’s bedside, talking to the newly awakened her.

Lin Le suddenly came in hurriedly, reporting: “Sect Leader, the sentry has spotted a stranger Nascent Soul’s Escape Light, a thousand miles from Minglong Mountain!”

It’s Qiming Spirit Monarch coming!

Guh Niqiang struggled to get up, but Lu Qian held her down.

She became anxious: “You’ve not even crossed the Celestial Tribulation; how can you face a Nascent Soul?”

Lu Qian was about to speak when suddenly the Thunder Light Tribulation Qi between his brows flickered lightly.

His face showed slight surprise, but he took a deep breath, restored calm, stood up, and smiled faintly at Guh Niqiang.

“Isn’t it time to cross the tribulation now?”

With a thunderous roar, thunder crashed down from the Ninth Heaven!