A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 293 - 253: Secret Discussion

The elder meeting of the Yunshan Sect concluded, and the elders, each with their own thoughts, exited the room and dispersed.

It was just past 11:00 PM, now December 30th in the 366th year of Jia Shen. After today, it would be a new year.

Normally, if the world were at peace, according to the original plan, the Yunshan Sect would have concluded its first internal martial arts competition, celebrating a lively New Year’s banquet.

However, now, all the cultivators of the Yunshan Sect could only hide within the four floating battleships, concealed within a high mountain range.

In the midst of deep winter, everything was lifeless, and a scene of silence prevailed. Looking at the pitch-black forest ahead, recalling the once lively and prosperous scenes on Bichao Mountain, Tan Hong silently made a resolution in his heart.

He carefully invited Yang Jiye and Wang Yu into his room, setting up a Silence Talisman.

Zhang Lemei had already taken Xiaoyunxing to rest, leaving only the three of them in the room. Before Yang Jiye could ask, Wang Yu already smiled slightly, "Senior Brother Tan has gathered us, surely for the matter of Kongming Mountain."

Tan Hong nodded, "I can’t hide it from you, Junior Brother Wang."

Yang Jiye hesitated, "Didn’t the Sect Leader already make arrangements, why discuss it privately?"

Tan Hong sighed slowly, "The Sect Leader is excellent in every way, but he is too kind-hearted. I see he has much reluctance, and I’m afraid there will be changes then."

Wang Yu retorted, "Senior Brother Tan underestimates the Sect Leader. He is kind but decisive, never hesitating. Even if he is reluctant, he will make the right decision. Besides, the Sect Leader’s concerns are valid, just wait until the Xuanguang Sect matter is settled, then we can persuade him if necessary."

As he spoke, he suddenly laughed, "It’s only in these times that we can play a supportive role. Our Sect Leader is wise and thoughtful, meticulous, and decisive. Usually, when we discuss and consult, he already has a wonderful plan in mind, merely touching base with us."

Tan Hong also laughed, "Having him is indeed Yunshan Sect’s blessing. However, I have an idea."

Facing the puzzled eyes of Yang and Wang, Tan Hong collected his smile and solemnly said, "The Sect Leader cherishes his reputation and is reluctant to deprive our allies of their mountain gate, so let’s be the villain this time."

"Once it’s confirmed that the Xuanguang Sect won’t reclaim Kongming Mountain, we should directly contact Zhou Chao and make him choose correctly. As long as he voluntarily offers Kongming Mountain, the Sect Leader will be untroubled, and his reputation won’t be harmed."

Yang and Wang were shocked at these words, this was forcing the Zhou family to offer the mountain! Even if out of good intentions, it was an action taken in secret behind the Sect Leader, a matter of great importance, and what if the Sect Leader became angry...

"For Yunshan Sect’s future, regardless of the consequences, I am willing to bear any guilt alone!" Tan Hong’s voice was firm, "But my cultivation is insufficient, and I am isolated, I need the help of both Junior Brothers."

Upon hearing this, Yang Jiye’s heart surged with warmth, and he said loudly, "Senior Brother Tan, for our sect, I will not shrink back, just tell me what to do."

Wang Yu’s face also flushed with emotion, "What are you saying, Senior Brother Tan? If the Sect Leader places blame, we three will bear it together."

In the quiet room, the three exchanged smiles.

At the break of dawn, the four floating battleships rose from the mountain forest, revealing themselves, flying towards Kongming Mountain.

The Zhou family cultivators on guard were startled and sounded the alarm. As they drew closer, they saw it was Yunshan Sect’s two Void-Soaring and Distant-Guarding Divine Ships, along with two typical floating battleships.

The four floating battleships lined up, especially the two Divine Ships, with graceful curves and powerful firepower, each fifteen zhang long, casting large shadows over the mountains, making the Zhou family cultivators awe and fear, while marveling at the Alliance Leader’s power, and wondering why the entire army was dispatched, and what action was being taken.

Lu Qian also used the Thousand-Mile Mirror to contact Zhou Chao. Presently, he had three sets of Thousand-Mile Mirrors, two for contacting the Zhou family and Spirit Snake Peak, and one for internal use within the sect.

Zhou Chao received the message and immediately gathered some key family members to fly out and meet them. Lu Qian invited him into the Divine Ship’s quiet room for discussion, and his first sentence made Zhou Chao jump from his seat.

"Brother Zhou, Bichao Mountain has been destroyed."

Lu Qian then shared what he could, keeping the specifics of the Yuqing Mountain battle hidden, but Zhou Chao understood the gist of it.

He looked at Lu Qian with profound respect, and bowed deeply, "My Zhou family has been saved by the Alliance Leader once again."

Lu Qian lifted him up, sighing, "It’s too early to say that, we don’t know how the Xuanguang Sect will respond. If they decide to reclaim Kongming Mountain, I’m afraid I can’t do anything."

Zhou Chao shook his head, "Our family being able to safely pass through this calamity is more than enough."

After exchanging a few more words, Lu Qian proposed temporarily residing at Kongming Mountain, to which Zhou Chao agreed wholeheartedly, hastily making arrangements among his clan.

Originally, the Zhou family had only just moved into Kongming Mountain in recent days, with various affairs atop the mountain still in process, and many mortal relatives still slowly migrating from around Yuqing Mountain. Upon Lu Qian’s request, Zhou Chao directly partitioned Kongming Mountain, granting the upper half near the Spirit Vein entirely to Yunshan Sect, and expressly forbidding Zhou family disciples from approaching.

Such a candid approach made Lu Qian sigh internally. Ultimately, were they really going to take away Kongming Mountain?

The four floating battleships gradually descended atop Kongming Mountain, as the disciples of Yunshan Sect once again felt the abundance of spiritual qi, they delightedly and curiously surveyed the surroundings.

Lu Qian and the sect elders and stewards entered the council hall of Kongming Mountain and held a brief meeting.

Kongming Mountain was originally just an outer Spirit Vein of the Xuanguang Sect, serving as a base and cultivation site, naturally lacking grand halls, wings, and various pavilions, so the council hall was small, and ten people filled it to the brim.

Lu Qian instructed everyone to settle the disciples and avoid unnecessary trouble, and made some arrangements for sect affairs, emphasizing cultivation and vigilance over production at this time.

The elders and stewards took the orders and departed, leaving only Guh Niqiang, who would await Hee Yangchen’s arrival with Lu Qian.

Several hours earlier, two letters had already been sent by the intelligence group’s disciples amidst the night. One was delivered to the Liyuan Sect after looping around to completely erase Yunshan Sect’s traces, while the other was secretly handed to Ning Songzhi to forward to Hee Yangchen.

Lu Qian had also expanded the intelligence group overnight, pairing astute disciples to spread throughout Zhongming County, carefully gathering any hints of changes.

Estimating Hee Yangchen’s imminent arrival, knowing he would choose to come in stealth, Lu Qian had Zhou Chao remove the original Six Harmonies Grand Array protecting the mountain.

Before long, the council hall doors creaked as if stirred by the wind, closing inward. Lu Qian activated a concealing array, and saw Hee Yangchen with furrowed brows, seated at the head.

"Why the urgent summons? The Zhenren’s decree was to remain at Bichao Mountain to await judgement. Yet you’re restless, coming to Kongming Mountain playing tricks?"

Hee Yangchen’s tone was anxious and full of discontent.

"Didn’t I say before, I’d find you in a few days. Now my sect is in chaos, the Zhenren hastily entered seclusion for healing, leaving no arrangements. The Sect Leader position stands vacant, and the other two Peak Masters have begun to exert influence from the shadows. This is a critical moment, you’d better truly have something important..."

Lu Qian sighed helplessly, meeting his eyes, "Bichao Mountain was destroyed by Master Moyun, is that significant enough?"

With a bang, the teacup in Hee Yangchen’s hand was crushed to pieces.