Chapter 658 - 503: Allies (Part 3)
"An exceptional leader of his domain, having several Daoist companions is nothing significant. But you won’t show it..." Thought Lu Qian, considering his disciple’s demure and elegant nature, realizing she couldn’t undertake such a task. Perhaps it was precisely because she wouldn’t engage in seduction that Lu Qian allowed her to stay by his side?
In this case, dragging things out may not be without opportunity.
Ye Xiao halted this topic and casually inquired about her cultivation progress, concluding this communication.
The stream trickled, and bamboo leaves softly swayed. Shen Jialuo sat quietly in the courtyard, suddenly letting out a deep sigh.
Two hours later, approaching noon, several escape lights lit up again from Minglong Mountain, flying out of the mountain gate.
As midsummer arrives, the Jade Flood Dragon basked in the pool’s coolness. As Lu Qian’s presence arrived, it had to rise above the waves, braving the scorching sun to give its respects: "Farewell, my lord..."
Lu Qian, accompanied by Wu Yan and Yang Jiye, paid little attention, instructed him to guard the mountain gate, and soared into the sky.
The Jade Flood Dragon made a funny face behind Lu Qian before taking hold of ice-cold melon and fruit a disciple had offered by the poolside, and delightedly took a bite.
Then sighed mournfully, lamenting the lack of dragon authority, feeling life unbearable.
The trio, enhanced by the Tunneling Armor Divine Decree, headed straight south, traversing over two thousand miles, soon approaching the ominously steep Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak.
"Master," Wu Yan expressed concern, "Are you sure you don’t need me to accompany you inside? You said earlier, the situation has changed..."
Lu Qian shook his head: "Proceed as originally planned, I have my certainty. Of course, if things change, I’ll rely on you and Senior Brother Yang for support."
Yang Jiye nodded, with the Purple Qi Celestial Net unfurling like a mesh beside him.
A moment later, the Grand Array of Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak opened, a disciple emerged to guide them, Lu Qian followed inside.
This time, there was no welcoming ceremony or formal reception, causing Wu Yan and Yang Jiye to worry as Lu Qian ventured alone.
Traversing amidst various gazes from the disciples, mostly unfriendly, Lu Qian was composed, entering the Council Hall with confidence.
The doors closed slowly, and Lu Qian looked forward, as Master Cangfeng also gazed over.
Only the two of them were in the hall. Fragile and handsome like a graceful youth, Master Cangfeng’s eyes were filled with coldness.
The two stared at each other for a long time, Lu Qian lightly chuckled: "It’s only been days since we last met, and you don’t even offer me a cup of tea?"
"Lu Qian," Master Cangfeng spoke slowly, "It’s unexpected you came alone. Aren’t you afraid I might act against you?"
Lu Qian sat down by himself, poured a cup, then looked up: "I assumed that in just days, Master Cangfeng hasn’t changed, so I’m not afraid."
Master Cangfeng retorted coldly: "I certainly haven’t changed, but you Lu Qian might have."
Lu Qian sighed deeply: "Neither have I. The arrival of Celestial Monarch has led to Qinglian Sect’s Baoo Peng Spirit Monarch dying, Golden Core Guan Tuo dying, Spirit Beast Sect losing three Golden Core fighters, and Sikong Family’s Golden Core Sikong Duan perishing."
Master Cangfeng was immediately shocked, as rumors circulated about a change at Hidden Dragon Stream, but clear news had not yet formed, only knowing all four gates suffered heavy losses. Who knew it was this severe!
"Master, do you understand now? Facing Meng Chi True Monarch, surviving with my life is thanks to the ancestral blessing, utterly powerless to protect your sect’s forces."
Master Cangfeng took a deep breath: "Why didn’t your Yunshan Sect lose anyone?"
Thereupon, Lu Qian recounted everything from the beginning, including the speculation of Meng Chi True Monarch’s cultivation restoration.
𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Learning that the matter involved Miao Fa Celestial Monarch, and recalling past battles alongside Lu Qian, jointly destroying Miao Fa Celestial Monarch’s remnant soul, a curse mark imprinted jointly by Celestial Monarch, Master Cangfeng’s expression slightly softened.
After hearing the full account, Lu Qian sincerely stated, "I can swear by the heavens, there was absolutely no intention to harm your sect’s Daoist comrades, truly powerless. For your sect’s losses, my Yunshan Sect is willing to make reparations."
After a lengthy silence, Master Cangfeng suddenly said, "Aside from this, what else do you wish for your visit?"
Lu Qian spoke no further, standing: "I heard the Spirit Vein of Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak is declining, Innate Spiritual Qi will soon manifest, attracting fierce beasts, and your sect might struggle alone. I’m here to help."
Master Cangfeng responded skeptically, asking, "Why help me?"
Lu Qian answered boldly: "To fulfill the duty of allies, to honor the righteousness of friends, to repay feelings of remorse!"
Master Cangfeng was moved, then questioned firmly, "What reward do you ask for?"
Lu Qian smiled, "I only ask for a trace of Innate Spiritual Qi. Not much, just enough for one Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation to advance to Qi Cultivation Perfection."