A Sect from a Spirit Vein

If too much is given away, it would undoubtedly result in a significant loss.

Offering half remains greatly attractive to most Golden Core cultivators, and I can at least retain something.

An original complete strand of Innate Spiritual Qi, although slightly less effective for progressing a Nascent Soul realm in small realm advancements, is abundant enough for a Golden Core cultivator to advance two small realms.

Master Cangfeng could soon break into the late-stage Golden Core realm through his own cultivation in one or two years, before the spirit vein collapses in fifteen to twenty years. By this calculation, even with half a strand of Innate Spiritual Qi, he could reach Golden Core Perfection.

While agreeing to give Lu Qian a strand, it remains within a bearable scope. If it becomes unmanageable, one could always cultivate a few more years.

After all, it was Lu Qian who strategized and interconnected—Lu Qian, as the middleman, enabled Master Cangfeng to successfully meet Miaomiao Profound Monarch. Otherwise, the Monarch might not have agreed to meet Master Cangfeng.

Moreover, the follow-up Innate Spiritual Qi contest, or rather for the Mingyu Sword Sect, the battle to defend Innate Spiritual Qi, will require contributions from the Yunshan Sect.

Do not forget, although there is a guarantee of half a strand of Innate Spiritual Qi, the Mingyu Sword Sect itself can still participate in the Innate Spiritual Qi contest! Should they win the championship, wouldn’t they reclaim the Innate Spiritual Qi?

As it is a three-on-three team battle, the participation of Yunshan Sect’s Fairy Jingxia or Lu Qian as these two major forces is indispensable. Within a team, perhaps Lu Qian, an Array Cultivator, may be more effective than Fairy Jingxia.

Of course, neither Lu Qian nor Master Cangfeng are confident their small team can defeat the Xuanwei Sect, Spirit Beast Sect, or the Sikong Family’s Golden Core cultivators. However, striving for a good ranking could secure other substantial rewards from Xuanwei Sect, which would never be a loss.

Xi Chan Daoist, upon hearing the declaration, laughed heartily: "Master, the drama triggered by a single strand of Innate Spiritual Qi is quite entertaining. Undoubtedly, it was orchestrated by that cunning Lu Qian, crafty indeed."

"Assessing circumstances wisely and maximizing benefits, truly talented." Yuan Xu Spirit Monarch nodded slightly as his tone shifted, "So tell me, for the three-on-three, are you confident?"

The golden toad atop Xi Chan Daoist’s head croaked in seeming response, and Xi Chan Daoist yawned widely: "Master, just watch. This half strand of Innate Spiritual Qi, I’m intent on obtaining it, as it greatly benefits my Divine Techniques."

Eight thousand miles away from the Spirit Beast Sect’s mountain gate lies the Sikong Clan Territory. The Sikong Clan descendants sit meticulously in the grand hall, reverently gazing at the esteemed Kai Xuan Spirit Monarch Sikong Sheng.

The hall is exceedingly high and spacious, supported by one hundred and eight dragon-embroidered pillars, appearing empty even with a group of mostly robust Martial Cultivators.

Even more striking are the seats backed with various Spirit Beast pelts or adorned with Spirit Beast heads.

These are their trophies of past victories.

"Crafty schemes." Sikong Sheng remarked, "I can decipher Miaomiao Profound Monarch’s calculations here so clearly; merely fearing me or that old turtle obtaining Innate Spiritual Qi."

"Though the internal forces are unbalanced now, he must be watching closely, hence a temporary retreat from direct confrontation."

"Who among you wishes to join the three-on-three?"

Instantly, in the hall, various Golden Core cultivators eagerly clamored to volunteer.

Sikong Heng’s voice was particularly loud: "Third Grandfather, let me go! I’ll first defeat Yunshan Sect’s Guh Niqiang, then take on Lu Qian’s Golden Core!"

"Yunshan Sect, nothing but dirt and dogs, vainly attempting to challenge our family. Let them passionately lament in this Innate Spiritual Qi contest!"

...

As the news rapidly spread, Golden Core Sects across the entire Cangzhou and even Golden Core Loose Cultivators from surrounding prefectures were quick to rally, and formed teams to register for the competition.

This province-wide competition is exceedingly rare; achieving high placement not only yields prizes but greatly enhances one’s reputation. Even if the results are poor, it remains a peaceful exchange conducive to one’s cultivation.

Within a month or two, the registrant teams had reached twenty.

The Yunshan, Mingyu Sword Sect, and Huanggen Sect teams were included. Master Cangfeng and Ye Xiao were assiduously cultivating day and night, hoping to advance further before the official competition arrived.

As for Guh Niqiang, in their perspective, Fairy Jingxia in seclusion daily ensures her cultivation doesn’t fall behind.

All sects, denominations, and Loose Cultivators began diligent training centered around this prominent competition.

...

In August of the 388th year of Jia Shen, the Deputy Foreign Affairs Elder of Yunshan Sect, Zheng Duan, achieved Qi Cultivation Perfection and through opportunity, successfully established Foundation Establishment with the assistance of his master Yang Jiye.

From top to bottom, Minglong Mountain was overjoyed, especially Yang Jiye.

Zheng Duan was his first disciple, whom he held in high regard and diligently nurtured, and now bore fruit, making him immensely gratified and pleased.

Subsequently, Yunshan Sect held an elder assembly and, per previous agreements, removed the "Deputy" title from Zheng Duan, officially appointing him as the Foreign Affairs Elder of Yunshan Sect.

In March of the 389th year of Jia Shen, the former Sect Leader of Qingli Mountain, now the honorary elder of Yunshan Sect, Xuu Yingcai, successfully established Foundation Establishment. He attributed this breakthrough entirely to Yunshan Sect’s wise leadership.

However, Lu Qian believed his positive mindset played a significant role.

Although having long lost authority, Xuu Yingcai was unfazed, and instead, as he was free from concerns, still receiving ample cultivation resources, lived carefree, focused on cultivation, and ultimately achieved surprisingly remarkable success.

Upon successfully establishing Foundation, he was tasked with co-teaching and engaging Yunshan Disciples in Feeding Techniques practice. Nothing else changed, thus Minglong Mountain saw a cheerful, radiant Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar.

Yet by October of that same year, the former Sect Leader of Zhuquan Sect, now the honorary elder of Yunshan Sect, Sunx Hanjun, also sought Foundation Establishment but regrettably failed. Alas, she mustered her spirits to reorganize and prepare for a comeback, but when the second opportunity would arrive remains unknown.

In September of the 390th year of Jia Shen, Inspector Steward Su Yan reached Qi Cultivation Perfection two years prior, and then encountered the chance for Foundation Establishment. The Yunshan Sect attached significant importance by dispatching Wang Yu and Ding Shu along with several elite disciples to safeguard the Foundation establishment.

𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Yet ultimately, Foundation Establishment failed.

Upon hearing the news, Lu Qian was surprised too. Su Yan’s opportunity for Foundation Establishment was ripe, his cultivation had already reached the threshold, how come he unexpectedly failed?

His personality posed no issues either. He was calm and reliable, though not talkative, but handled people and matters with great thoroughness. He wasn’t the antisocial type.

In recent years, the Yunshan Sect has grown in size, and whereas the Inspector division had limited matters originally, nowadays it’s quite busy, overseeing all departmental work, auditing numerous accounts, details, and records. Recently, disciples have increasingly appealed for inspector intervention when suspecting unfair practices from certain stewards.

Yet Su Yan managed these tasks meticulously, proving himself promising. Lu Qian originally intended to promote him to Deputy Inspector Elder upon successful Foundation Establishment, but unexpectedly he failed.

Indeed, the cultivation path is fraught with uncertainty; establishing Foundation is particularly challenging. Despite thorough preparation and solid qualifications, failure remains possible.

Fortunately, Su Yan’s character is resilient, and with Lu Qian’s comforting words, he adjusted promptly and quietly gathered strength, awaiting the next opportunity.

In April of the 393rd year of Jia Shen, Wang Yu’s true disciple, Yunshan Sect’s Conquest Steward, Wuh Zilan, reached Qi Cultivation Perfection for a year and then was bestowed the opportunity, personally safeguarded by Wang Yu.

Regrettably, Foundation Establishment still failed.

Lu Qian understood that this likely pertains greatly to her mindset. Transitioning to the Conquest Steward role, her mentality hasn’t recovered, she remains disheartened daily, neither in the mood for tasks nor cultivation.

Cultivators inherently contest with Heaven, drive against destiny, lacking the will to advance courageously makes Foundation Establishment failure inevitable.

Even understanding this reasoning, Yunshan Sect couldn’t help but stir waves.

This was already the third Qi Cultivation Perfection failure in establishing Foundation...

Our sect seems to lack fortune of late.

Even Lu Qian wondered silently; after offering incense and prayers to ancestral masters, pondering subsequent failures from Su Yan and Wuh Zilan, safeguarded by Wang Yu, ah, perhaps his semi-corporeal nature conflicts with the living, affecting luck?

Ah, seeking auspices, perhaps Senior Brother Wang should refrain from protective duties in the future.

With three consecutive failures, who would be the next to establish Foundation?

Would he succeed?

The focus across Yunshan Sect inevitably converged onto one person.

That individual is Tan Yunxing, the second disciple of the Sect Leader, having achieved Qi Cultivation Perfection for over two years.