Chapter 737: Storm and Upheaval (Part 2)

The various Golden Core members of the Spirit Beast Sect were all quite shocked and started discussing it vociferously, mentioning all sorts of things. Some even conjectured seriously that perhaps the Qiming Spirit Monarch had suddenly fallen ill, giving the Yunshan people an opportunity.

It was Master Youde who interrupted these unreliable speculations.

“Why are fellow sect members so surprised? Is it such an earth-shattering event for Golden Cores to besiege a Nascent Soul?”

“Our Spirit Beast Sect has been established for over eighteen hundred years. Not to mention distant history, just over 180 years ago in the two-state war, have you forgotten the battle of Silent Valley that our sect led? In that battle, eighteen Golden Cores besieged and killed a Late-Stage Nascent Soul from Qingzhou!”

“Counting on your fingers, out of the Cangzhou Four Sects, except for the Sikong Family which hasn’t found an opportunity, which one hasn’t had a Golden Core besiege a Nascent Soul in history?”

“Now, regarding the Battle of Minglong Mountain, the intelligence is clear—the Qiming Spirit Monarch came from an isolated small island, lacking powerful heritage and substantial foundation. He’s a newly-advanced Nascent Soul, and whether he’s achieved his second Divine Technique is unknown.”

“This time, the attackers include the Late-Stage Golden Core and ruthless Master Cangfeng, along with the always formidable Tieyuan Ye Xiao. With the combined power of the three sects, killing Qiming Spirit Monarch isn’t extraordinary.”

This statement greatly boosted their confidence, and everyone nodded in agreement.

Master Youde then changed the subject.

“However, speaking of it, the Yunshan Sect leading this battle and being able to besiege and kill the Qiming Spirit Monarch shows they should not be underestimated. Currently, within their sect, they have four Golden Cores: Lu Qian, Wu Yan, Guh Niqiang, and Jade Flood Dragon. There’s also the legacy of the Yun Mountain Battle Array and the Immortal Dragon Slayer Painting acquired from the Xuanguang Sect. Scouts have also mentioned a giant snake-shaped Puppet Daoist Soldier they possess.”

“Just in terms of high-level combat capability, they are already quite remarkable among Golden Core Sects.”

“Moreover, Lu Qian clearly being consumed by Celestial Thunder in front of everyone, yet miraculously reappearing and displaying formidable techniques… Could his resurrection be related to his Divine Techniques? How powerful are his Divine Techniques? These are things that cannot be fully discerned by mere scouts and require further investigation.”

“Regardless, the rise of the Yunshan Sect is evident. This fully demonstrates that the efforts we’ve invested in them have been worthwhile and should be further extended, binding Lu Qian and his Yunshan Sect, even extending to the Three Sects Alliance, firmly to our chariot.”

“In this way, gaining a strong ally, suppressing the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect will be within reach.”

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch nodded: “You’re right. The Yunshan Sect overnight gained two more Golden Cores and killed a Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch. It’s truly a transformation. With the enhancement of strength naturally comes the rise in status. What do you suggest we do to keep the Yunshan Sect firmly on our side?”

Master Youde unfolded his folding fan with a swish, revealing on its surface an Exotic Beast with a tiger’s head, red mane, a horn on its head, a dragon’s body clad in armor but short in stature slowly raising its head.

“Nothing more, use might to intimidate, virtue to win over, and benefits to bind, just so.”

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch’s face glowed brighter, praising: “Indeed, as expected of our sect leader, with this calm nurturing of self-cultivation and meticulous mind, you all need to learn for another century.”

Everyone quickly started praising in unison, except for Xi Chan Daoist who yawned and smacked his lips as if dozing off.

Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch didn’t mind him and led the group back toward the mountain gate.

“Youde, make arrangements, I will personally go to Minglong Mountain to congratulate, to show our goodwill.”

…

In the main hall of the Xuanwei Sect mountain gate, the debate over whether or not to aid the Yunshan Sect and whether or not to block the Qiming Spirit Monarch continued.

One side argued that the Yunshan Sect brought this calamity onto themselves. The identity of Guh Niqiang is difficult to define, and she is part of the Ningzhou Danxia Sect, making it reasonable for Ningzhou forces to come after her. If it were them, they would also pursue an enemy into another state, which is understandable.

Xuanwei Sect represents Cangzhou, and with the ongoing conflict in Qingzhou, it is important to maintain harmony with Ningzhou; the chaos in the Yunshan Sect is their own doing and should be solved by themselves.

Especially after the arrival of emissaries from the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect, this perspective became even more vocal.

The other side believed that, regardless, the Yunshan Sect is still a Cangzhou Sect under the Xuanwei Sect. Even if there are faults, judgement should be ours, not allowing outsiders to interfere, or it would result in losing public support and authority. They should currently block the Qiming Spirit Monarch, and discuss Guh Niqiang’s issue later.

The sides argued endlessly, while Miaomiao Profound Monarch, priding himself on wise leadership and never biased towards one side, listened to arguments without easy decision, feeling somewhat troubled.

Personally, he leaned more towards the second viewpoint, but with the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect firmly supporting the first, it added complexity to his thoughts.

Miaomiao Profound Monarch understood that the Sikong Family eagerly wished for the fall of the Yunshan Sect. However, their envoy hinted that the family would contribute more efforts for local prosperity, enhancing their own state. This made him hesitate.

Is it worth inciting dissatisfaction from the Sikong Family and Qinglian Sect for the small Yunshan Sect?

Amid debate, reports were delivered one after another, gradually silencing the room.

Lu Qian didn’t die? Good, this one indeed has some skill; perhaps they could drive off Qiming Spirit Monarch themselves. I’ll give more consolation afterward—

What?!

“The Qiming Spirit Monarch has been slain!”

The hall was momentarily silent as a pin could be heard dropping.