Chapter 742 - 534: Who Is the Boss

Chapter 742: Chapter 534: Who Is the Boss

At the Mountain Gate of Qinglian Sect, within the Celestial Pool, a dozen Golden Cores sat cross-legged in silence, and the area was extremely quiet.

This was a peaceful spiritual mist-covered pool, enveloped by a rich milk-white Spiritual Qi, with abundant Spiritual Mechanism, bringing a sense of refreshment.

The milk-white Spiritual Qi obscured the water surface, making it impossible to see the color or appearance of the water, yet numerous large and broad green lotus leaves grew above it, gently swaying amidst the spiritual mist, floating elegantly. On the lotus leaves, points of Golden Light gathered, slowly forming droplets of golden Spiritual Liquid, dropping into the pool with a crisp sound.

Among this cluster of green lotus leaves, eighteen red lotus flowers rose, like eighteen blazing flames burning within the spiritual mist.

Each red lotus unfolded to several zhang in size, the golden lotus seedpod spanning three chi in diameter, perfectly sized to seat a person. At this moment, more than ten Golden Cores were each seated within a red lotus, silently reflecting on the intelligence they just received.

"Why is everyone silent?" asked Master Fenghe, who sat cross-legged on the lotus in the center of the pool, a Golden Core Perfection of Qinglian Sect. Since he reached Golden Core Perfection, Qinglian Sect had long begun mobilizing resources to fully support his Crossing the Tribulation and Becoming an Infant, a support that peaked after Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch died in the Void.

And now, it had been twenty years since Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch’s death. Not only was his preparation about to succeed, feeling confident in confronting his Heart Demon within these few years, but there were also two Golden Core Merit and Conduct Perfections within Qinglian Sect.

This progress was smooth due to Qinglian Sect’s strategy of abandoning peripheral interests, even ceding some core interests, lying low and adopting a gaurded approach. It also relied on the nominal protection of Xuanwei Sect.

With Miaomiao Profound Monarch’s guarantee, and concessions satisfying the Spirit Beast Sect and Sikong Family, Qinglian Sect could securely grow its territory and cultivate disciples.

The situation was now gradually developing favorably, and if observed by the Celestial Mandate, we could see the re-emergence of a Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch in the coming years. Not long thereafter, further advancements would be possible, thus reestablishing Qinglian Sect’s status, recovering lost interests in a justified manner.

Even though they received intelligence that Sikong Family and Spirit Beast Sect both have Golden Core Perfections advancing towards Nascent Soul, everyone was still recovering from the two-state war over 160 years ago, but Qinglian Sect’s confidence in their imminent resurgence remained unwavering.

For over fifteen hundred years, the Cangzhou Four Sects have maintained a tacit understanding of closely cooperatively managing Cangzhou land amidst adversarial and even hostile competition.

But now the latest intelligence has arrived, suggesting that Wu Yan from Yunshan Sect is mostly likely a Celestial Spiritual Root, having crossed the Golden Core Celestial Tribulation. Sect Leader Lu Qian resurrected from the Thunder Tribulation, attaining Golden Core status, and even led other Golden Cores to audaciously kill Qiming Spirit Monarch from Ningzhou!

After repeatedly confirming the accuracy of this intelligence, Qinglian Sect promptly convened the various Golden Core discussions on this matter, having gathered all Golden Cores at the Mountain Gate of the Celestial Pool, except those in seclusion, though they were all stunned into silence by the news.

"Are all of you intimidated by Yunshan Sect? Why isn’t anyone speaking?"

Master Fenghe provoked, finally receiving a Golden Core’s response: "Though Yunshan Sect certainly made some noise, its foundation is weak; the entire sect has merely over a thousand disciples, trivial before our sect, nothing deserving intimidation."

Another Golden Core scoffed: "That Qiming Spirit Monarch is newly ascended to Nascent Soul, his Mighty Power not yet established; being surrounded and killed by Golden Cores is hardly surprising. This matter is merely an accidental opportunity, establishing notoriety for the unworthy, requiring no excessive concern."

Yet, a Golden Core gravely stated, "Though it isn’t significant now, one can already see its great potential. Yunshan Sect already has four Golden Cores, and additionally has Battle Array and Daoist Soldier tactics, coupled with the presence of a Celestial Spiritual Root. If allowed to develop smoothly, they might grow into a Nascent Soul Sect in a hundred years, worthy of significant attention."

Someone else mentioned, "Lu Qian supposedly died before reviving in the Thunder Tribulation, possibly a distortion due to a scout’s distant observation or does it truly have basis? The truth of this still requires investigation, and might it relate to Lu Qian’s Divine Techniques? And we should also explore Wu Yan’s Divine Techniques."

Everyone discussed at length, seeing others had sufficient understanding and conjectures, Master Fenghe softly said, "What we must discuss now is how to counter Yunshan Sect’s unconventional emergence. What opinions do my fellow sect members hold?"

The gathering went silent for a brief moment, then a Golden Core pondered, "Why not forge good relations with them? Last year our subordinate Wind and Thunder Gang collaborated with Lu Qian successfully expanding territory in Junle County. Our entanglements are few, and with this successful precedent, if our sect pacifies and engages, Lu Qian will surely be delighted and gratified."

A Golden Core’s eyes brightened: "I find this plan feasible. Historically, weaker forces always forge alliances to resist stronger entities. Our sect is currently in recovery; given Yunshan Sect’s potential, if both can join forces, our sect might withstand the pressure from Spirit Beast Sect and Sikong Family, sparing us from partnership with Sikong Family for survival."

Another Golden Core quickly interjected: "Absolutely not, the strategy of aligning with Sikong Family to counter Spirit Beast Sect’s pressure has been pursued for centuries, never abandon it for short term gains and betray trust and loyalty!"

Master Fenghe suddenly chuckled coldly: "Betray trust and loyalty? Did Qinglian Sect endure for over four thousand years in Cangzhou merely by relying on intangible loyalty?"

"I am aware you have received benefits from Sikong Family, hence eager to speak for them, but your inability to find a suitable reason truly elicits laughter."