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"Are we going to the Lotus Cloud Sect now?" Liu Shuyue was somewhat surprised, then shook her head in difficulty, "But... I can’t leave Hot Pepper Village at the moment."

"Why?" Lin Qing asked curiously.

"Just two days ago, Governor Shen said a caravan reported a large number of troops appearing to the north of Qing State. From their gear, they seemed to be soldiers of the Luo Kingdom."

The Luo Kingdom’s forces had already penetrated into the Qi Kingdom? Chen Xuan was slightly shocked.

In theory, each country’s border has garrison troops stationed. Once they discover an invasion, they should report to the central government first, and then the central government informs each state’s government. However, Governor Zhangwei got the news through a caravan, which either means the defense system of the Qi Kingdom has already collapsed, or this invasion is tacitly approved by those above.

He knew that a fellow disciple had sent warnings to Liu Shuyue, and he also knew Liu Shuyue’s strategy — relocating the people of Qing State to Hot Pepper Village, which could not only increase the village’s strength but allow full control over Qing State. However, this plan involves a large number of people, and it would likely take about a year to see results. She didn’t expect the neighboring country’s military to come so quickly.

"I estimated that even if Senior Sister Lan Qin and that new Immortal Master managed to control the King of Qi and took military action, it would take two to three years, as they need to retrain a cultivator army..."

Liu Shuyue frowned deeply, inner turmoil evident.

Among everyone, she was the most concerned about the Lotus Cloud Sect. She had long harbored a desire to question the sect, even if they turned her away, that would at least be an answer.

Moreover, it was Chen Xuan who suggested going this time.

She really wanted to agree right away.

But this army’s appearance was terribly untimely. Countless eyes in Qing State were on her. If she left even one step from Qing State now, no matter what reason she gave, others would think she abandoned the village and left. Once rumors spread, she wouldn’t be able to unify Qing State, and even the people of Zhangwei City might not rally around her.

The celestial anomaly further heightened public unease. Everyone was speculating about its cause, and in this state of panic, she was needed here.

A round trip to the Kunlun Peak would take at least a month, even traveling day and night.

"Can’t we use a Wind Riding Talisman to fly over?" Lin Qing asked.

"You can only fly to the foot of the mountain. The sect’s barrier atop the mountain suppresses spells," Liu Shuyue explained. "And that flying device you often use, called a helicopter, won’t work either... The mountain is shrouded in fog year-round, the weather is unusually volatile, often clear for half a two-hour, then snowstorms the next; one slight miscalculation, and you could crash into the cliffs towering above."

This was true.

Even with good weather and clear sight, the current height of the Kunlun Mountain range wouldn’t allow a helicopter to reach the top.

Chen Xuan even doubted if fixed-wing planes could climb up.

For civilian aircraft, an altitude ceiling of 20,000 meters is already impressive.

"Ascending the sect is a lengthy journey. I also want to accompany you, but..." Liu Shuyue lowered her eyes, a hint of reluctance in them.

"I understand, you need not blame yourself," Chen Xuan consoled.

"Do we have a month?" Lin Qing posed a more practical question, "What if the Celestial Patrol collapses midway..."

Then Jiang City would be doomed.

"Let me think about it." Chen Xuan peered at the Kunlun Peak enshrouded in purple smoke, thoughts racing. The Lotus Cloud Sect holds too many secrets. Regardless of the effectiveness of the jade token Ji Yun gave, or if he could open the sect’s doors, the journey must be made. Only by going, can answers be found.

However, the sudden appearance of the Luo Kingdom’s army can’t be ignored. Considering this era’s logistics, it could still be ten days to half a month from discovery to actual battle, and laying siege without attacking is common. But Liu Shuyue can’t afford to gamble.

Is there a way for Liu Shuyue to quickly neutralize the nearby threat and then head to the Kunlun Peak?

Several ideas popped into Chen Xuan’s mind...

Like having Liu Shuyue hold down the village while he leads the Hot Pepper Village Hunting Team to counterattack.

Or finding his arms dealer to buy some large-caliber heavy artillery, then pinpointing the enemy’s location for long-range attacks...

These plans are feasible, but the time they require is still less than ideal.

No one knows how many lunar strikes the Celestial Patrol can withstand... They must seize every second.

Moreover, finding a way to go to Kunlun Mountain is a vexing issue.

A divine mountain peak almost at the dome of the sky, reaching the summit in a short time seems implausible by itself.

A thought suddenly emerged in Chen Xuan’s mind.

The planes of 2026 can’t do it, but what about the spacecraft of 2108?

The Dimensional Limit Mechanism’s aerospace vessel can travel independently between Earth and the space station, its body remains intact during high-speed ground impact, its engine nozzles can adjust directions, allowing both high-speed level flight and vertical landing... It’s nearly the perfect vehicle.

And the vessel’s armament level is not low, at least much stronger than a military helicopter.

If he can get the spacecraft here, wouldn’t all the difficulties be resolved?

The more he thought about it, the more hopeful it seemed.

Although the spacecraft that parachuted into Binjiang Court had left... he still had one spacecraft!

More specifically, it was a spaceship wreck.

But it’s not just up to him.

"I’ve got a potential solution, but we’ll have to see later if it works." Chen Xuan said to Liu Shuyue, "But if it works, not only will Hot Pepper Village’s troubles be resolved, we’ll also reach Kunlun Peak quickly."

...

Back at the shop, Chen Xuan gathered everyone and explained his plan.

"... This method might not work, so we also need some contingency measures. If all else fails, Liu Shuyue will have to stay at Hot Pepper Village, and Xu Xuanling and I will head to the Lotus Cloud Sect."

Although Xu Xuanling wasn’t a Mountain Disciple, she was at least a cultivator.

If those reclusive Immortal Masters rate strength highly, Xu Xuanling could at least bolster his presence.

"Don’t worry, I’m better at fighting than Master," she nodded repeatedly, her tone excited. After all, this was the legendary Lotus Cloud Sect! To avoid affecting the world line, this matter had been kept from Ji Yun and Ji Lian, and the Wei siblings were unaware of the inside story, now she was entrusted to investigate, the thought of it thrilled her.

"Sister Honglian’s... classmate, can really turn a spacecraft wreck into a complete spaceship?" Wang Baihu felt this was somewhat far-fetched, "In that case, wouldn’t entropy be reversed?"

"Ah, Brother Niao knows about entropy?" Little Pigeon said in surprise.

"I did go to college!"

"I did see her restore a broken elevator," Chen Xuan recalled the scene at New City’s transfer warehouse, "But the ability defying logic isn’t the first time."

But this restoration requires paying the "cost of constraints," exactly how many years’ accumulation he didn’t know, but surely more than restoring an elevator.

"I’ve dialed the number for you." Honglian handed over the phone, "You can talk to her yourself."

"Ah? So fast?"

He wasn’t mentally prepared yet.

"What else? You just emphasized, time is precious."

As soon as Chen Xuan took the phone, the other end connected, "Hello? Didn’t I say to email if there’s anything? Do you know where I am now!"

He had no choice but to charge ahead.

He cleared his throat and said in a slightly deep voice, "Hello, I have something I need your help with."