A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Lu Qian chuckled lightly, realizing that even Master Cangfeng could fall for the joke of "the Emperor using a gold hoe." It was understandable; the ten counties in the northwest of Cangzhou had almost no Golden Cores left a hundred and fifty years ago. Master Cangfeng had grown in prominence later and might not have personally witnessed the true grandeur of the Primordial Spirit Sect.

Take this event, for example; who knows what treasures are within the eighteen treasure ships recently bestowed. Even outsiders like me received three secret treasures. Miaomiao Profound Monarch’s direct lineage must have received more. For the Miaomiao Profound Monarch, who has received the Immortal Talisman to govern a state, and the Xuanwei Sect, the overlord of Cangzhou, it’s not that they don’t want to act for this piece of Innate Spiritual Qi—it’s just not worth the effort.

"The Xuanwei Sect leads Cangzhou, and Miaomiao Profound Monarch has always considered herself the Governor. If even the primary ruler stoops to outright rob the treasures of sects within the state, which sect or faction would genuinely follow her henceforth, and how could Cangzhou possibly stabilize?"

"Gaining one Spiritual Qi at the expense of losing the sects’ trust, even while sitting on the most prosperous land of Cangzhou, with wealth beyond our imagination, Miaomiao Profound Monarch would never make such a short-sighted move."

"Of course, nothing is absolute. If the Xuanwei Sect indeed stretched out their hand to demand, we might as well not even discuss it further; we should directly offer the Innate Spiritual Qi in exchange for other rewards."

Master Cangfeng pondered for a moment: "Alright, let’s not worry about the Xuanwei Sect for now. Next, there’s the Spirit Beast Sect, the Sikong Family, and the Qinglian Sect. Even with the loss of Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch, the Qinglian Sect is not an opponent we can withstand."

"This depends on Miaomiao Profound Monarch." Lu Qian said this, and Master Cangfeng raised an eyebrow, "The four factions suffered significant losses. Although Taiyi Paradise bestowed treasures, it will take a long time to recover. During this period, the Xuanwei Sect will care more than anyone about the stability of Cangzhou, paying more attention to suppressing chaos."

"If a large-scale conflict breaks out within the state between the Golden Core and higher powers over one Innate Spiritual Qi, even if the Nascent Soul Spirit Monarchs join the fray, the resulting damage would be enormous. With the Innate Spiritual Qi right before us, if the Nascent Souls join in, those Loose Cultivator Golden Cores and Golden Core Sects would surely band together against the Nascent Souls, resulting in mutual destruction between the pack and the tiger."

"Moreover, Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch and Sikong Sheng already have many grievances; if they unleash true rage, Cangzhou could be engulfed in internal strife before it even recovers. Can Miaomiao Profound Monarch accept this?"

"Furthermore, if the two Nascent Souls gain the Innate Spiritual Qi, their cultivation advances closer to the Primordial Spirit stage, wouldn’t Miaomiao Profound Monarch feel pressured?" Lu Qian’s words made Master Cangfeng’s eyes light up, "Essentially, the one least wanting the Nascent Soul Sect to vie for the Innate Spiritual Qi is Miaomiao Profound Monarch!"

Master Cangfeng stood up and paced back and forth, suddenly feeling enlightenment from Lu Qian’s analysis, with much of his frustration dissipating.

However, he still felt uneasy: "But even so, it’s unlikely that the Xuanwei Sect would directly order a ban on plundering, is it?"

"Highly unlikely." Lu Qian smiled, "Now that this rumor is out there, Miaomiao Profound Monarch must be having a headache. If she directly enforces restrictions, her subordinates might not comply, and could secretly scheme to seize it, shifting from overt robbery to covert theft—risk unchanged. If she doesn’t impose restrictions, a massive conflict involving the entire Cangzhou is imminent—something the Xuanwei Sect cannot tolerate."

"So, what we need to do now is proactively provide Miaomiao Profound Monarch with a solution, a solution that minimizes the risks we face."

"We need to lay open the cards on the table, letting everyone play openly!"

...

Wu Yan and Yang Jiye had been hiding not far from Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak for two hours now. As the sun gradually sank westward without news from Lu Qian, their anxiety grew.

"Nephew Wu, we can’t continue like this." Yang Jiye could no longer hold his composure, "Let’s go directly and inquire about the situation."

Wu Yan restrained her impatience and shook her head: "Elder, the Mountain Protection Grand Array on Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak hasn’t been activated. If anything happened, the Master would certainly send us a message."

"But if Master Li suddenly turns hostile, with the ferocity of his Great Sword Cultivator techniques and ruthlessness, the Sect Leader might not have a chance to send a message..."

"He won’t." Wu Yan continued shaking her head, "Though the Master hasn’t achieved the Golden Core stage, his methods are unfathomably profound, and ordinary Golden Cores can’t do anything to him. How could he not even have the chance to send a message?"

However, saying this, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Ordinary Golden Cores indeed wouldn’t be an issue, but what about extraordinary Golden Cores?

Master Cangfeng, who is about to break into the Late-Stage Golden Core, is one of the strongest attackers among the Golden Cores Wu Yan has encountered. Even a Sword Talisman he crafted could stall Master Yeguang for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, showcasing his superior cultivation. If he really launched a surprise attack...

"Elder Yang, here’s the plan." Wu Yan couldn’t wait any longer. She thought for a moment, "I’ll go forward to knock on the mountain gate, and you stand by for support. I’ll say that we have an urgent matter that requires the Sect Leader’s return. If the Master is safe, the Mingyu Sword Sect will inevitably inform us and invite the Master out. If I encounter an attack, you should immediately return to Minglong Mountain to gather reinforcements for rescue!"

Yang Jiye slapped his thigh: "That’s a good idea! But as the Sect Leader’s Disciple, you shouldn’t risk yourself. Let me go call the door, and you observe from behind."

The two argued for a bit, and while they were in a deadlock, the Grand Array on Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak suddenly opened. Two rows of Mingyu Sword Sect disciples lined up on both sides, and two figures walked out, chatting happily.

It was Lu Qian and Master Cangfeng!

The Mingyu Sword Sect had sent the Master out, personally escorted by Master Cangfeng, indicating that the issue had been resolved perfectly.

Wu Yan and Yang Jiye exchanged glances, both letting out long sighs of relief.

After escorting them a hundred feet, Lu Qian asked Master Cangfeng to stay behind, exchanged a few more polite words, then turned and flew away. A few miles away, he rounded a mountain and rejoined Wu Yan and Yang Jiye at a rendezvous point.

"How did it go? It looks like the plan went smoothly. Has Master Cangfeng already forgiven us?" Yang Jiye asked excitedly.

Lu Qian smiled wryly: "You could say we’ve reached a consensus, but as for forgiveness, that might take more time and requires proof through actions."

Once trust is broken, how difficult it is to restore it.

Master Cangfeng, being a leader of a sect, even if he wanted to trust Lu Qian, cannot easily extend his trust again.

One could say he’s provided both sides a chance to mend their relationship. He’s willing to let this recent loss slide temporarily and use an Innate Spiritual Qi defense battle to restore the relationship between the two factions as before.

The three headed back directly. As the Moon Palace hung in the sky, casting its bright light, they returned to Minglong Mountain.

Only now, after being sleepless for two days, could Lu Qian finally catch his breath.

However, there was still a major issue unresolved—the True Dragon Blood was still suspended within the Dantian!

He pushed open the door to the Sect Leader’s Courtyard, deactivated the Array on the door, and immediately heard Ji Yunrou’s resentful voice.

"Oh my, isn’t it Sect Leader Lu? What brings you here to visit your humble wife?"

She was lazily reclining on the couch, her robe disheveled, her jade-like body laid out, a rich, sweet fragrance filling the entire room. Upon seeing Lu Qian enter, she cast a charming glance his way, curling up her leg, revealing a section of delicate, smooth skin, exuding irresistible allure.

Lu Qian dared not look any longer, secretly thinking how this woman, despite having broken the Snake Spirit Secret Technique, seemed to have charm skills that felt increasingly potent. Quickly, he decided to finish the business and send her away promptly.

"Lady Ji, I have decided who to bestow the True Dragon Blood upon. Please now teach me the Blood Fusion Secret Technique. Once I master its use, I will naturally give you one-third of the Blood Pearl."

Ji Yunrou sat up angrily, her hair in disarray and a blush on her face: "Lu Lang is truly cold-blooded, neglecting me for so long, coming in and out with business talk, really vexing."

Seeing Lu Qian unmoved, Ji Yunrou softened: "Alright, you heartless man, you’ve truly ensnared me."

She imprinted the Snake Spirit Fusion Secret Technique, specifically the Chapter on blood fusion, into a Jade Scroll by placing it on her forehead, then tossed the Jade Scroll to Lu Qian. She then plaintively said, "Lu Lang, I trust you a lot. I’ve given you the secret technique, so don’t go back on your word and not give me the Dragon Blood. Otherwise, if I die with my lifespan draining away on Minglong Mountain, my restless spirit will haunt you every day."

"Rest assured, I will finish this quickly, settle our accounts, and send you off." Lu Qian scanned through it, confirmed the Cultivation Technique’s completeness, and immediately left.

"Wait a moment." Ji Yunrou called out from behind, "Who do you plan to give the True Dragon Blood to?"