Chapter 677 72: Arrival of the Joyful Union Sect (Part 2)

"Husband, I have not sensed any passive danger," Ning Sujin instinctively responded upon hearing.

Li Ji'an waved his hand, "Even if Tong Shangren and the Joyful Union Sect joined forces, I can still retreat safely. Naturally, there wouldn't be any ominous signs.

Moreover, your sensing covers all factors.

Today's warning from Old Pure Essence was also within your passive sensing.

And with my temperament, knowing this, I would certainly not take risks and would retreat tactically."

Ning Sujin chuckled, speechless at how refreshingly candid Li Ji'an was about running away.

But then her expression turned serious, "I'll conduct a divination myself now."

Li Ji'an nodded; this was the reason he came to discuss the matter with Ning Sujin, as it gave him a great sense of security.

Soon, Ning Sujin actively initiated the divination art.

"Husband, although there is no ominous sign this time, there are quite a few obstacles," Ning Sujin observed.

After an incense stick's worth of time, a drop of sweat formed on Ning Sujin's furrowed brow, then slowly relaxed, her mental energy significantly consumed.

She faced considerable resistance in divining for Li Ji'an, albeit not as severe as with matters concerning Beixuan True Monarch, but enough to exhaust Ning Sujin.

"Obstacles?" Li Ji'an raised an eyebrow slightly.

Tong Shangren and Old Pure Essence, built up by resources, are considered the last among Core Formation Ascendants.

He didn't think they could cause him much trouble.

Only the Joyful Union Sect!

Although the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Joyful Union Sect fell on the Central Battlefield, the sect does not currently have a True Monarch presiding.

However, the Joyful Union Sect has profound foundations, with only a handful of visible Core Formation Ascendants, and the current Sect Leader, Huang Qiyu, is a half-step Nascent Soul hero, unlike any phony ascendant like Tong Shangren.

"Could it be that I won't make it out this time?" Li Ji'an questioned, opening his Divine Sense fully.

Buzz~

At that moment, a stream of light flashed across the sky over Funiu Mountain.

Immediately, a misty jade bowl-like light descended, covering the entire Funiu Mountain.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh~"

Almost instantly, the Cyan Ox soared into the sky.

"Ox King, do not act impulsively," True Man Fengyin followed closely, fearing the Cyan Ox, with insufficient intellect, would act rashly.

"Three ascendants have arrived!" After calming her mind, Ning Sujin's Primordial Spirit discerned the people above.

But before the people of Funiu Mountain could react, a gentle, soothing yet infinitely alluring voice came from high above, "Everyone, be at ease. I am Fuxiang Elder of the Joyful Union Sect. I mean no harm to Funiu Mountain; I am merely here to find someone upon request.

In a month, once the person is found, this restriction will disperse."

"It's an honor to be graced by the presence of the Saint Sect Master; please forgive Funiu Mountain for not welcoming you sooner," realizing it was an elder of the Joyful Union Sect visiting, True Man Fengyin's expression grew solemn, holding onto the Cyan Ox's tail tightly, respectfully saluting.

Fortunately, after coming with an intimidating aura, the Cyan Ox sensed the presence of three individuals not weaker than itself and did not act overly aggressive.

"Hehe, the little fellow is quite endearing," Fuxiang Ascendant remarked to True Man Fengyin, her eyes shimmering with light.

True Man Fengyin instinctively shivered, quickly changing the topic with respectful words, "Fuxiang Senior, you flatter. This junior, being dull, dares to ask whom Senior is seeking to find? This junior will certainly do their utmost to assist Senior."

"Giggle~ the little fellow grows more lovable the more one looks. No rush. I don't know whom exactly I'm seeking either. We'll wait for the person in charge to arrive. This month may inconvenience all of you," Fuxiang Ascendant covered her charming face, smiling enchantingly.

"This..." True Man Fengyin shivered, a few beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, "Senior, don't mention it; we will surely cooperate with Senior."

"Currently, my master is self-confined in the Dao Field due to my junior sister's failure in her Core Formation attempt, so I am managing affairs in the Immortal City. If Senior has... should Senior need coordination or arrangements from me, feel free to speak up."

Seeing True Man Fengyin's wary attitude towards her, Fuxiang couldn't help but laugh, "Giggle, little fellow, rest easy. Given your frail physique, you don't meet my current fancy, far too weak to satisfy me."

"Thank you, Senior!" True Man Fengyin exhaled deeply in relief.

"Alright, prepare me a Dao Field," Fuxiang Ascendant stopped teasing True Man Fengyin.

"This way, Senior!" True Man Fengyin dared not delay, promptly leading her into the Celestial Pool Dao Field of Funiu Mountain.

In Li Ji'an's Dao Field, after Ning Sujin carefully sensed the restriction above, she shook her head slightly, "It's a restriction-type magical treasure, probably with the power of Upper Three Grades."

"So it has come down to the Joyful Union Sect," Li Ji'an smiled, shaking his head.

At this time, Old Pure Essence returned after leaving previously.

Upon entering the Dao Field, his face was immediately filled with panic, "Ancestor, what should we do now? Who would have thought that the old scoundrel could collaborate with the Joyful Union Sect!"

"Stay calm!" Li Ji'an mimicked the disposition of True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws, casually reassuring.

"It's only a matter of standing by to deal with soldiers and water slowing earth,"

However, his heart was not at ease.

Given the conflict between the Nine Tripods Commerce Association and the Joyful Union Sect, Tong Yaoyao, as the successor of the Tong Family, should absolutely not have compromised.

And according to Li Ji'an's understanding of Tong Yaoyao's temperament, she is not one to adhere to norms. Considering the series of conflicts she had with the Joyful Union Sect when she first entered the Yellow Heaven Domain, her hatred for Huang Qiyu is evident, and she would not surrender so easily.

"Could it be that Tong Jiesheng, for the sake of his Nascent Soul opportunity, made a deal with the Joyful Union Sect, selling his very granddaughter to them?" Pondering this, he couldn't help but feel worried for Tong Yaoyao.

In this world now, as the only living acquaintance from Li Ji'an's first life after coming to the Cultivation Realm, Tong Yaoyao still held a significant weight in his heart.

Whether it was her providing the Foundation Establishment Pill's main ingredients and safeguarding grace when he entered the Cultivation Realm's second life, or the subsequent Core Formation opportunity she later gifted, Li Ji'an hadn't forgotten.

Moreover, due to his karmic connection with Zhao Shuyao, as long as he's assured of his own safety, Li Ji'an is willing to lend a helping hand.

"Ancestor, now that the Joyful Union Sect has sealed this place, once Old Tong arrives, you're likely to be exposed," having long been accustomed to True Monarch of Ten Thousand Laws' calm demeanor, Old Pure Essence was now also uneasy, advising.

"Most critically, now that the Joyful Union Sect has allied with him, even if informed of the truth, the Joyful Union Sect would never spare you, Ancestor."

Li Ji'an slowly raised his gaze, glancing at the restriction in the sky.

He was confident that with a strike of the Cyan Wood Magic Sword, he could break through the restriction and escape.

However, once the Cyan Wood Magic Sword was exposed, the coveting it would face would likely be much more than just the current focus from Tong Jiesheng.

As an Upper Three Grades magical treasure, they are rare in the world; Core Formation Ascendants from several nearby regions would undoubtedly be drawn to it.

"Let's observe what develops, go," Li Ji'an finally gestured away.

"Alas, that's all we can do. When the old scoundrel arrives, I'll try my best to think of something," Old Pure Essence also looked up at the restriction in the sky, feeling powerless, ultimately sighing as he left.

As Old Pure Essence just left, Li Ji'an's Storage Ring shifted, and Funiu Ascendant unexpectedly sent a transmission.

"Daoist Changqing, True Man Fengyin has just informed me of the recent happenings. The Joyful Union Sect is a Holy Sect here, and we at Funiu Mountain can't afford to offend them. However, if it concerns you, Daoist Changqing, this old man will do his best to assist."

After viewing the transmission, a smile appeared on Li Ji'an's lips.

Without much thought, he responded, "Daoist, you jest. This old man has never had dealings with the Joyful Union Sect, nor any karma. However, Daoist's goodwill, this old man keeps in mind, thank you."

Firstly, it's unwise to expose oneself too readily; being wary is essential.

Secondly, just as stated, Funiu Mountain cannot afford to anger the Joyful Union Sect, and without a life-and-death crisis, there's no need to drag them into this.

It's merely a minor difficulty; no need to make decisions in desperation.

"That's good," Funiu Ascendant also breathed a sigh of relief.

In the following days, unease pervaded within Funiu Mountain, as it was uncertain whom the Joyful Union Sect was searching for.

Meanwhile, the graceful form of Fuxiang Ascendant wandering daily in the Immortal City left many feeling both apprehensive and expectant.

Fearing the evil art of Absorption practiced by the Joyful Union Sect's enchantress, yet also enjoying the visual stir.

Simultaneously, Fuxiang Ascendant's ultimate focus locked on Old Pure Essence and Li Ji'an.

After all, these two had the most mysterious backgrounds, and Li Ji'an was clearly disguising himself as a Talisman Master with an ascendant's status.