A Sect from a Spirit Vein

The massive treasure ships glowed with radiant splendor, their brilliant light reaching the heavens. Each was three times the size of a Void-Soaring and Distant-Guarding Divine Ship. How much treasure could one of these ships hold?

Now, amidst the floating golden lotus apparitions in the sky, a total of eighteen treasure ships descended. Everyone stood aghast, mouths agape, some even unaware as saliva dripped from their mouths.

What grandeur, what majesty, what strength! Truly deserving of being the rulers of the Alioth Continent, Lu Qian had never felt such a sense of admiration before.

One could only say that the Celestial Monarch Dragon Pearl was truly rare beyond compare, satisfying the Unity Immortal Monarch of the Taiyi Paradise to such an extent. Perhaps, this could become a significant opportunity for the Immortal Monarch’s ascension?

Such a precious treasure, Cangzhou could never swallow it whole. Now, presenting it to Taiyi Paradise in exchange for eighteen treasure ships was indeed a profitable transaction.

In Meihua Square, several escape lights of Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators rose again, guiding the treasure ships to land. Among them were the Nascent Soul of the Xuanwei Sect, Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch of the Spirit Beast Sect, and several Golden Core cultivators of the Qinglian Sect. However, there was also a Nascent Soul cultivator watching them coldly from the sky, unmoving.

"That’s the old fool Sikong Sheng of the Sikong Family," Xi Chan Daoist snorted, "This person is all brawn and no brains. He believes wholeheartedly in brute strength. This time, he arrived late, contributing nothing, so these eighteen treasure ships are unrelated to the Sikong Family. His grandnephew Sikong Duan also died in vain at the hands of Meng Chi True Monarch."

Lu Qian’s heart stirred as he watched him stand there alone, suddenly feeling something amiss, and quickly asked, "I wonder, what is the relationship between the Sikong Family and the Spirit Beast Sect?"

Xi Chan Daoist raised an eyebrow, "Let me start from the beginning. The balance of power among the Cangzhou Four Sects took about one thousand five or six hundred years to form. Naturally, the Xuanwei Sect is the leader, but the relationship with our three Nascent Soul Sects is more of cooperation than a strict hierarchy. Although the Xuanwei Sect has the upper hand, it needs us to protect the land, maintain stability in Cangzhou, and uphold its status."

Lu Qian nodded, it’s akin to a king with several dukes.

"Among our three Nascent Soul Sects, there are both shared interests and conflicts of interest. We can sit down and be civil when sharing benefits, but when competing for interests, real battles might ensue. As long as things don’t get out of hand, we can unite against external threats, which the Xuanwei Sect won’t interfere with."

"Our Spirit Beast Sect has made significant progress over the centuries and can now firmly suppress the Qinglian Sect and the Sikong Family. Therefore, the two have drawn closer, and although conflicts exist, they will also join forces to challenge us."

"Of these two, our relationship with the Sikong Family is the worst. In a thousand years, the Golden Cores of our sect who have died at the hands of the old fool Sikong Sheng number over ten. Of course, his family hasn’t fared well either."

"Now that Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch has died, the four sects’ power is imbalanced. Though Miaomiao Profound Monarch promised to maintain the Qinglian Sect’s status, they can only protect the basics and will have to yield many benefits. Hence, our competition with the Sikong Family intensifies."

Lu Qian’s heart sank, "So today, I’m summoned to beware of the Sikong Family?"

Xi Chan Daoist chuckled, "You young fellow always gets to the point. I like talking to clever people like you, it’s effortless."

"First, you clearly show an inclination towards the Spirit Beast Sect. Secondly, this time you informed us, benefiting the greater situation but causing the Sikong Family to lose a Golden Core and gain nothing."

"Tell me, if Sikong Sheng, an old brute with only muscles, doesn’t vent his anger on you, then who?"

Lu Qian’s face turned serious immediately, his heart feeling as if weighted by lead.

Truly every sip and bite is predestined. Misfortune may bring good fortune, blessings hide under misfortune...

In this incident, he established good relations with the Spirit Beast Sect and even earned some favor with the Xuanwei Sect. Yet, he also incurred the enmity of the Sikong Family, unsure whether it is a gain or loss.

Fortunately, geographically, the Sikong Family lies in the southeast of Cangzhou, with the Spirit Beast Sect and Xuanwei Sect standing between them and the northwest of Cangzhou, so they won’t be immediately able to eliminate him.

The current strategy, however, is to continue along the dark path and cling tightly to the Spirit Beast Sect.

Additionally, with the Qinglian Sect’s Nascent Soul dead, though compensated, they certainly won’t harbor favorable feelings towards the Yunshan Sect and Lu Qian.

Their mountain gate is in the northeast of Cangzhou, closer to the Yunshan Sect. Fortunately, with their sudden decline, they are busy consolidating control and protecting interests, naturally unable to provoke additional trouble.

Then, Xi Chan Daoist laughed and said, "Don’t worry. Although you haven’t agreed to become a subordinate sect of the Spirit Beast Sect, we’ve recognized both your offering of Nocturnal City shares and assistance in this matter. Besides, I find you pleasing enough; our Spirit Beast Sect will naturally protect you."

Lu Qian immediately bowed, flattered to a degree that he continuously praised without cost.

Xi Chan Daoist nodded in satisfaction, reminding him, "Moreover, this time’s harvest is all thanks to you. Even Miaomiao Profound Monarch wants to thank you for it. So there’s no need to be overly anxious, just continue as previously advised: safeguard yourself and conserve your resources in seclusion."

"But since you’re going to meet the leaders of the Four Sects this time, Sikong Sheng won’t easily let you off; you must be mentally prepared."

Lu Qian solemnly asked, "If that’s the case, how should I act, elder?"

Xi Chan Daoist squinted, and the Golden Toad croaked.

"Perform well, Lu Qian. The more capable you are, the more highly we regard you."