A Sect from a Spirit Vein

"Your sect’s profound foundation is unmatched in Cangzhou, with several late-stage and even perfected Golden Core Daoists. I’m sure it won’t be long before the Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch returns to you."

This statement made the Golden Cores feel somewhat comforted. They glanced at each other and reluctantly roused their spirits, expressing gratitude to the Miaomiao Profound Monarch repeatedly.

With the assurance from the Miaomiao Profound Monarch, although the temporary loss of the Spirit Monarch’s protection would cause many interests to suffer, the fundamental situation was still assured.

Alas, from now on, they could only bide their time and keep a low profile, hoping the next Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch would emerge soon.

The Miaomiao Profound Monarch continued, "Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch has fallen in battle, and Cangzhou is bound for chaos. I hope everyone can put aside prejudices, unite with one heart, and overcome this difficult time together."

These words were actually directed at the Spirit Beast Sect, advising them not to kick someone when they’re down. Although the Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch scoffed, they had to give some face, so they cupped their hands in agreement.

What the Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch was really thinking was that overtly seizing the Qinglian Sect’s interests was impossible. Rashly initiating conflict would hurt both sides and weaken Cangzhou, an act that couldn’t be done. But with the Qinglian Sect now without a Nascent Soul, some interests had to be conceded; business delivered to the door couldn’t be ignored.

After a few more words, they finally addressed the matter everyone was most concerned about. Even Xi Chan Daoist, who was dozing off with the Golden Toad in his arms, perked up.

They saw Miaomiao Profound Monarch patting their storage pouch, a blush appearing on their previously bloodless face, "The True Dragon Treasure Pearl is here, and I will soon present it to the Upper Sect. Immense riches are at hand! The losses everyone has suffered will definitely be compensated multiple times over; there’s no need to worry!"

"But this matter involves the Celestial Monarch; everyone knows its weight. If anyone leaks news of the Treasure Pearl, no one will be able to save you!"

Thinking of the impending vast resources and treasures, the cultivators from the Spirit Beast Sect and Qinglian Sect looked somewhat more reassured.

At this moment, a Nascent Soul escape light with four or five Golden Cores flew swiftly from a distance.

From afar came a loud voice, "Fellow Daoists, am I too late, Sikong Sheng?"

Xi Chan Daoist rolled his eyes directly, and the Golden Toad leaped onto his head, letting out a coordinating croak.

Miaomiao Profound Monarch couldn’t be bothered with him. This time, the Sikong Family came too late; the treasures obtained had nothing to do with the Sikong Family.

The Profound Monarch looked at the devastated ground, his expression suddenly changing.

"After defeating the Void Hidden Bat, has anyone seen Meng Chi True Monarch?"

Everyone was startled, shaking their heads. Hurriedly rushing into the passage to collect the treasures, they were chased to within an inch of their lives by the Void Giant. Only now, with a chance to catch their breath, did they remember this important matter.

Even though the Hidden Bat devoured the Meng Chi True Monarch before their eyes, no one believed that a mere Void Hidden Bat could kill the Meng Chi True Monarch!

That being was someone who held up the Dharma Realm, single-handedly rendering everyone present a chaotic mess.

Under Sikong Sheng’s puzzled gaze, everyone scattered, digging through the ground, trying to find any trace of Meng Chi True Monarch.

But after going through the Hidden Bat corpses they found, they still discovered nothing, their hearts growing heavy, their expressions growing grim.

It seemed that Meng Chi True Monarch had likely fled. Such an individual’s hidden presence posed a huge threat to the four sects and Cangzhou. If her cultivation was fully restored, no one present today would survive.

"Effective immediately, the whole prefecture is to issue a wanted notice, we must find clues!" ordered Miaomiao Profound Monarch, "I will contact the surrounding prefectures, requesting their assistance in keeping an eye out as well."

"There’s no need to worry excessively; I will also report this matter to the Upper Truth."

On the side, Sikong Sheng, seeing that no one was paying attention, began to shout and grumble, "Sikong Duan, where did you run off to? Your granduncle is dragged out here in a hurry, and here you are missing."

"Hurry and show yourself!"

...

At this moment, Lu Qian and Ji Yunrou had already bypassed the Shuangye Square. He simply sent a transmission, notifying the Yunshan Sect members that he was fine, instructing them to retreat in an orderly manner. The affiliated sects returned on their own, while Jiang Qingfeng, Yang Jiye, Wu Yan, and other Yunshan Foundation Establishments regrouped at Minglong Mountain.

He himself, together with Ji Yunrou, discreetly avoided the spiritual lands and secretly returned to Minglong Mountain.

Ji Yunrou’s identity was too sensitive; now, the four sects had already equated her with Meng Chi True Monarch. Due to various secrets, she couldn’t speak out in defense, fearing she would soon be wanted throughout the prefecture. It was truly inadvisable to be discovered by others; they could only cautiously avoid attention and first return to the mountain gate.

Endowed with the Tunneling Armor Divine Decree, the two advanced even faster than the Yunshan Sect’s Foundation Establishments, thus arriving at Minglong Mountain one step ahead.

From afar, they saw Minglong Mountain enshrouded in clouds and mist, ethereal and dim. Upon closer inspection, they observed the grand array inverted, with white, green, black, red, and yellow lights flickering and alternating, enveloping most of Minglong Mountain, including Dragon Head Peak and Dragon Claw Peak.

This was no longer the previous Ten Extremes Ten Directions Grand Array but a Golden Core Level Five Elements Grand Array that Lu Qian himself had set!

Since his Divine Sense advanced into the Golden Core, allowing him to use the Golden Core level transformations, Lu Qian had been gradually replacing it. First, he spent twenty thousand spirit stones to purchase two sets of high-tier spiritual artifact-level Five Elements Grand Array base and map, which could accommodate Golden Core-level array transformations.

One set was arranged here. Within the array map, Lu Qian slowly arranged five fourfold transformations, transforming it into an extraordinarily powerful Golden Core-level grand array.

The clouds and mist before them, ever-changing, was one of these, the Fourfold Transformation: Void-Breaking Spiritual Mist. It was an upgraded version of the previous Triple Transformation Heavenly Torrent Spiritual Mist. Besides obstructing Divine Sense, blocking five senses, and confusing directions, it could significantly reduce enemy escape speed; even Qi Cultivation level magical artifacts couldn’t fly inside.

The other set of array base and map, Lu Qian directly carried with him for use, replacing the one that had been overloaded and damaged last time, allowing him to operate at full power.

The cost of the array base and map was already so exorbitant. Fortunately, Lu Qian himself was an Array Cultivator, capable of inscribing Golden Core-level transformations within. If he had needed to hire a Golden Core Array Cultivator to inscribe the transformations, who knew how much more it would cost.

Therefore, the former Liyuan Sect, considering the overall situation, had only installed one Golden Core-level grand array at its own mountain gate, Yanghua Mountain. But now, having been invaded by Yunshan Sect, they had no choice but to bleed heavily and install one at Qionghua Mountain as well.

The former Ten Extremes Ten Directions Grand Array was relocated back to Lingsha City to continue serving.

Lu Qian had long realized that different arrays emphasized different aspects, and it was only by adapting to the current situation that he could find the best fit for himself.

For instance, the Five Elements Grand Array and the Ten Extremes Ten Directions Grand Array were both arrays that focused on countering a small number of experts, not suitable for large army confrontations.

Similarly, the Liyuan Sect, known for its well-trained disciples and skillful coordination, widely employed arrays like the Six Harmonies Grand Array and Seven Stars Moon Closing Formation to leverage collective disciple strength.

However, given the current strategic situation of the Yunshan Sect, it was unlikely that immortal cultivator armies would directly attack the mountain gate. The primary defense was against elite Golden Core leaders leading small raids, for which the Five Elements Grand Array and the Ten Extremes Ten Directions Array were appropriate.

Utilizing Wind Shadow Cloud Body, Cloud Concealment, Pass Token, and other means, Lu Qian dispersed the patrol disciples and led Ji Yunrou into the mountain gate secretly.

Once inside, the spiritual qi was abundant and floating all around. Taking a deep breath made one feel refreshed and light.

Looking out into the distance, various structures were built along the mountain, winding upwards. There was both the majestic solemnity of flying eaves and ridged roofs and the elegant tranquility of small pavilions nestled in the forest.

Ji Yunrou’s eyes lit up. Since her visit to Minglong Mountain eleven years ago, when Lu Qian rejected her dual cultivation request, she hadn’t been back. Time flew, and Minglong Mountain had naturally changed significantly.

She giggled and said, "After more than a decade, Minglong Mountain has become a genuine Immortal Sacred Land. How about I live here from now on, is that alright?"

Lu Qian shook his head directly. The issue of accommodating Ji Yunrou was indeed troublesome. Her identity was sensitive and couldn’t remain at his mountain gate. Yet, if she wandered outside, he wouldn’t feel at ease. Furthermore, her true intentions were not revealed; even if she expressed a desire to rebuild the Divine Flood Dragon Sect, Lu Qian wouldn’t be surprised.

What she said now was merely a joke.

Ji Yunrou’s eyes sparkled, and she approached, "Oh, Lu Lang, I understand. I won’t make things difficult for you. If I’m here in the mountain, it wouldn’t matter if Qingfeng’s sister sees me; I could even persuade her to serve you together. But if Fairy Jingxia catches sight, she’ll peel your skin off."

"You’ll find me a safe place outside where I can stay. Just make sure to visit me often, or I’ll be very lonely..."