Chapter 642 - 498: Cracks
Senior Sister, Lin Le, it’s truly a difficult choice.
From an emotional standpoint, although Senior Sister has been with me through thick and thin, being my warmest harbor, Lin Le is not far behind. This child, having followed me all the way, has played a significant role in sect affairs. His character and way of dealing with the world are impeccable, making him my indispensable right hand. His innate talent evokes deep pity.
If considering the applicability of the True Dragon Blood, it should be Senior Sister. With her Three-Element Spiritual Roots and her cultivation of Ice Technique, she can fully exploit the advantages of the Treasure Blood, paving the way for future achievements, supporting me reliably whether in managing the sect or on the battlefield.
In contrast, since Lin Le possesses Consciousness Collection, his focus wouldn’t be on Magic Techniques, and the gift of the True Dragon Body Vein would be somewhat wasted.
However, if considering the need for the True Dragon Blood, it is naturally Lin Le. With the support of sect resources, Senior Sister’s cultivation speed has already improved, placing her at a decent level among those with Three Spirit Roots. Her path in Dao is always promising. But whether Lin Le can establish his foundation remains uncertain. If he could merge with Dragon Blood, extend his lifespan, he could use time to cross the threshold of Foundation Establishment.
For a long time, there has been a thought in my mind. Although I have never explicitly told Lin Le this, Lu Qian has always remembered the silent promise he made.
If a chance truly arises, I must strive to secure it for you.
Now, with the opportunity right before my eyes, such a fate-changing chance, how many times can one encounter it in a lifetime? Even if I give this chance to Senior Sister now, thinking to give the next one to Lin Le, can there really be a next time?
Lu Qian’s heart trembled, as if seeing Lin Le’s tearful eyes at the apprenticeship ceremony.
He really has endured too much.
And he’s too brilliant.
The balance in my heart shifted, just as the array outside was suddenly activated again.
Lu Qian snapped out of his deep contemplation, with a flip of his hand, the True Dragon Blood was once again enveloped by the Five Elements Spiritual Qi and stored in his Dantian.
He gestured for Ji Yunrou to remain silent and activated the Silence Array.
"Sect Leader, have you returned?" A voice full of urgency came from outside; it was Lin Le, "Urgent news, it’s about the war in Dongping County!"
Before even having time to marvel at the coincidence, Lin Le’s words took Lu Qian by surprise.
Ji Yunrou was also very concerned about the Mingyu Sword Sect matters. Although she could no longer return now, she harbors strong feelings for both the former upper sect and Master Cangfeng.
However, it wasn’t possible to let her join the meeting, so Lu Qian cautioned her to stay safe and quickly left. Despite Ji Yunrou’s fondness for teasing, she was quite clear-headed at heart and knew well not to cause trouble at such times.
Upon leaving, he realized that while he was caught up in his thoughts, the night had passed, and dawn had arrived. The Foundation Establishment cultivators of Yunshan Sect had all returned long ago, assuming there were important matters at hand since Lu Qian’s door remained closed, so they did not disturb him.
However, with the urgent message from the intelligence group, Lin Le dared not be neglectful and had to summon Lu Qian.
The latest intelligence lay before him. Lu Qian rubbed his brows, suppressing his fatigue, and issued a grave command: "Summon the elders and acting elders to the council hall for a meeting."
A moment later, Wang Yu, Yang Jiye, Jiang Qingfeng, Wu Yan, and Zheng Duan arrived, seeing Lu Qian on the main seat safe and sound, without any signs of injury. The Foundation Establishment cultivators finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The entire night, they had been speculating whether Lu Qian was affected by the subsequent True Immortal incident, thus secluding himself after returning to the mountain gate. Now seeing everything was fine, they were eased.
At this moment, they had a barrage of questions to ask. Since they retreated early, the story following the opening of the Spatial Passage was unclear, involving the legendary True Immortal and affecting the situation in Cangzhou, and even the entire Alioth Continent, how could they not be deeply concerned?
Furthermore, upon seeing Lin Le, Wu Yan bit her lip. Despite possessing Consciousness Collection, he refused to see her privately. How could he be so stone-hearted?
But the primary issue now was the war in Dongping County.
"Lin Le, please explain to everyone."
Lin Le bowed courteously, waved his hand, and a vast map of the ten counties in northwest Cangzhou floated up. Sects and factions, colored light dots connected, clearly depicting the movement of cultivator armies and the contested and occupied regions.
After listening carefully to a few sentences, the elders and acting elders also grew somber.
𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Besides Dongping County’s traditional ally, Huaiyou County, Junle County suddenly joined the battle!
Previously, the joint forces of Mingyu Sword Sect and Huanggen Sect triumphed swiftly, advancing successfully into the heart of Dongping County, with armies pushing over a third of Dongping County’s territory!
But just last night, Master Xuan Jing of Junle County suddenly joined the fray, leading Junle cultivators in a detoured surprise attack, swiftly securing the rear of the allied army, and currently stands firmly behind them.
This way, the combined forces of Junle, Dongping, and Huaiyou Counties have surrounded the Mingyu Sword Sect and Huanggen Sect allied forces within Dongping County!
"This doesn’t look good," Yang Jiye clicked his tongue, "The alliance of these three counties had been in the making for a while, and it seems this battle became a catalyst, solidifying their decision to unite. This means our future confrontations will be alliance against alliance, increasing pressure significantly."
Jiang Qingfeng added, "Moreover, the Sanshan County Liyuan Sect is quite close with them. Although restricted by peace treaties with us and unlikely to join directly, secret support remains very probable."
Zheng Duan, having served as the Deputy Foreign Elder for many years, was well-versed in the situation across the counties and accustomed to considering issues from a broader perspective. He presented his suggestion: "Forming pacts and alliances is quite normal. Perhaps we should bring Beichui County into our alliance as well."