435 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 435: Another Chaotic Battle Turning off the lights for eye protection. Font: Large Medium Small [Previous Chapter] [Table of Contents] [Next Chapter] The matter of the reincarnation of a deity was something the Chu Qin Sect dared not meddle with. Yao Qing and Gu Tan summarized their judgment and simply sent a message to Qi Xiu to quit their involvement. Their primary mission in Jixia City was to pave the way for Qi Xiu's trial a year later. The Yao family, as a Nascent Soul sect and a scholarly household, was no stranger to such trials. "This trial is absolutely risk-free. Typically, only the children within Jixia City participate. Occasionally, outsiders are allowed to join, but it requires extremely strong connections to gain access. However, this time around, the patriarch gave a direct order to widely invite Jindan cultivators from across the land who show potential for forming a Nascent Soul, turning it into a grand event, which is how two spots fell into the hands of Nan Chu Sect." Yao Qing briefly explained the context. In Jixia City, there were many seniors who had participated in the trials before. The Nascent Soul patriarch of the Yao family himself had taken part and reportedly benefited greatly, making it a remarkable opportunity. "No danger and a chance for opportunity... so, a once-in-a-millennium chance?" Gu Tan asked. "A once-in-a-millennium chance! Our master is quite lucky," Yao Qing replied, although not particularly fond of cultivation. His tone was laced with envy. For the people of Jixia City, it was akin to a rich bumpkin from a remote area, unwittingly entering the truly noble circles by sheer luck—those that are encountered once in a millennium. "The patriarch of Chu in Nan Chu Sect is really good to our master..." "Indeed..." The two chatted a bit about the gossip and then settled down in Jixia City, preparing for Qi Xiu's arrival a year later. In reality, most of the tasks fell on Yao Qing, considering Gu Tan still needed to break through to Jindan, and time was of the essence. ... After three years of mourning garments, the preferences in clothing among Baishan's cultivators seemed to have suddenly shifted, with colors becoming as bright and eye-catching as possible. At the Reflection Pavilion, the Daoist robes of the Chu Qin Alliance were already bright red, and with the colorful attire of the visiting cultivators, the streets resembled a vivid battleground. After holding back for so long, people were optimistic once they released their emotions, with one male itinerant cultivator even strutting around in a pink robe, unexpectedly gaining a bit of notoriety. However, Qi Xiu was not in a good mood, as standing before him was someone he quite disliked—Han Ping of the Dan Alliance. "Heh, Sect Leader Qi, after our long-standing collaboration against the Lingmu Alliance, there's no need for pretenses between us. I was personally involved in the battle at Reflection Mountain. That day, we forged an unending blood feud with the Lingmu Alliance..." Before Han Ping could continue, Qi Xiu, irritated, interrupted, "I've already negotiated peace with Chai Yi; you don't need to mention such matters again." "Heh, the situation is beyond our control; we understand," Han Ping replied, not dwelling on it as it was not his primary concern. "I came to inform you that the trade route for southern supplies may soon reopen." "Oh!?" Qi Xiu showed interest upon hearing this. Yao Qing's prediction proved correct; after three or four years of peace, darkness was truly descending, and conflicts were about to erupt again! "You ten families have been quiet all these years; haven't you done anything? Are there any unresolved conflicts?" Qi Xiu asked probing questions. "There are things even I don't understand," Han Ping responded with a mix of feigned ignorance and genuine innocence, speaking sincerely. Though he served as a competent envoy, leaving no faults in his mannerisms, past impressions weighed heavily against him in Qi Xiu's eyes. "Our situation, Sect Leader Qi, you're aware of. We've sought peace with the Lingmu Alliance without success, and our current position is significantly inferior to your Chu Qin’s. Regardless, whether they fight or not, it should still be beneficial to both our families. As for southern supplies..." "We'll follow old practices. Discuss specifics with Yanran." Such benefits Qi Xiu would never refuse. With a show of approval, he prepared to send off his guest. "Heh, here's the thing," Han Ping continued, unwilling to leave just yet, "the upcoming battle might be tougher in the south. We hope the Nan Chu, Chu Qin—perhaps even the Yanguimen involved in the logistics—will be willing to, erm, make some sacrifices." "Oh? Are you bargaining on behalf of Baishan Sword Sect and Fantasy Sword Alliance? Why aren't they approaching me themselves?" Qi Xiu asked, puzzled. "This time, our three families will act as one, so it makes no difference who comes," Han Ping revealed another shocking piece of information. "Your family is participating?" Qi Xiu found it both amusing and frustrating. He had witnessed first-hand the Dan Alliance's struggle against the Lingmu Alliance. After all, without the joint forces of Nan Chu and Chu Qin at Reflection Mountain, the Dan Alliance would have long been sitting ducks at home. "Yes..." Han Ping admitted with little confidence, "It's only a matter of time. Joining sooner eases southern pressure." Qi Xiu found a newfound respect for the Dan Alliance. Originally renowned for its alchemy, the Dan Alliance formed from a union of sects and families. Before Han Tianqing incarnated and developed through war, their overall strength fell just below the nine Nascent Soul sects, never known for combat prowess. The conflict with Lingmu Alliance only magnified this flaw. Initially ambushed, killing the Dan Alliance's ruling head, it nearly led to their collapse. Even when Han Tianqing turned the tide, internal chaos and fear of battle had reached a peak, leaving the Lingmu Alliance, despite gathered forces outside, unchallenged. Only after the Reflection Mountain conflict stabilized did they emerge, hoping to pounce on the Lingmu Alliance, only to end up in a stalemate. All this led to their diminished post-war reputation, becoming the butt of jokes among Baishan’s itinerant cultivators. If not for Han Tianqing on Baishan’s peak and Chai Guan being schemed against, the Lingmu Alliance might have easily extinguished them post-treaty with Chu Qin. Yet this time, when major factions like Hehuan Sect and Lianshui Alliance had yet to intervene, amidst potentially unpredictable warfare, they stood ready against Lingmu Alliance. Qi Xiu could only look upon them with respect. "In matters of life and death, survival and doom, where lies your family's chance of victory?" he asked. Regrettably, such questions to Han Ping were wasted—he had no answers. Even inquiries into Baishan’s overall situation garnered nothing but vague responses. "No contribution, no gain!" After venting some frustration at Han Ping, Qi Xiu reluctantly consented to the logistics support for balance and profit—a win-win situation. The Dan Alliance merely sought reduced fees from Nan Chu and Chu Qin, a fair ask given they were to bleed at the frontlines, demonstrating their practicality. "Fine, fine, I can't reason with you. This time, we'll lend a hand. Next time, let your leaders come personally!" Though scolding him, Han Ping finally fulfilled his mission, returning with a promise from Chu Qin’s leader. With another grand battle at Baishan looming, Qi Xiu faced the dilemma of his Jixia trial participation and Qin Changfeng’s impending departure for Zhaixing Pavilion to form a Jindan! Amid a chaotic mix of plans, restraining his impulse to summon Gu Tan back for deputy duties, Qi Xiu endeavored to meticulously arrange everything for his impending absence. ... "With another war at Baishan and the Dan Alliance involved, the north won’t remain peaceful either..." After leaving the Sect Master's residence, Qin Changfeng appeared worry-free, mentioning it casually to his wife during intimate pillow talk after their night together. "Then going to Zhaixing Pavilion might be dangerous!" Unlike Qin Changfeng's tranquility, Nangong Yanran, startled, immediately sat up and suggested loudly, "It'd be better to stay at my maternal home in Qinan City—both close and safe." "Why mention that again..." Qin Changfeng frowned slightly. "Zhaixing Pavilion is closest to Baishan. Besides, they have always kept to themselves; the conflict won't reach there." "That's not certain..." Attempting another persuasion, she paused when his expression began to darken, knowing her husband's emotions were all too transparent. She decided to remain silent. "Will you go with me?" Qin Changfeng suddenly asked. "Of course!" Nangong Yanran promptly responded, her mood brightening instantly. "I've been waiting for this for so long. Nothing is more important than witnessing your Jindan formation firsthand." "Alright, so what about everything at home?" Qin Changfeng inquired again. "Senior Brother Mo can afford to temper his sword less often. Worse comes to worst, the old man himself should help out more—he’s relied on me enough over the years." Nangong Yanran pouted, snuggling against her husband, seeking comfort. "Haha, it's because he values you," Qin Changfeng laughed heartily. They both chuckled, holding each other closely, as they started planning their journey to Zhaixing Pavilion. ... Since Han Ping wasn't hesitant to inform the Chu Qin Sect of the impending conflict, it signaled the battle was likely very near. As the news hadn't spread widely, and some itinerant cultivators returning home to avoid the chaos, the war drums once again resounded throughout Baishan. In the Hou Earth Desert, the once-stalemated battle lines between opposing forces grew lively again. The Fantasy Sword Alliance, Baishan Sword Sect, along with the Sharp Gold, and Thick Earth Alliances, simultaneously began occupying and refurbishing defensive formations abandoned for the last four years. As the Hehuan Sect deepened its involvement, they officially prohibited participating cultivators from heading north or south. While this stance appeared neutral, it effectively severed Lihuo and Lingmu alliances from significantly reinforcing their southern allies, making their bias evident. However, both Lingmu and Lihuo weren't in a hurry to move south. Positioned strategically in the northwest and southeast, they flanked the Dan Alliance with clear intent: eliminate immediate obstacles before turning to debate with the Hehuan Sect. Overall, the Wu Xing Alliance held major advantages in the north while facing slight disadvantages in the south. Despite suffering significant losses before northern reinforcements arrived, how did Rui Jin and Thick Earth manage to maintain only a slight disadvantage now? The key lay in Chai Yi's seemingly inconsequential actions during the last confrontation of the allied forces, which turned out to have profound effects. "Look here..." In the grand hall atop the cliff, the leaders of Chu Qin Alliance, excluding the unconcerned Gu Tiesheng, gathered. Mo Jianxin spread out a map detailing Baishan's strategic positions and pointed to the southern Hou Earth Desert, the original location of the Wu Xing Alliance's encampment. "Previously, when the Lingmu and Lihuo reinforcements arrived, despite holding a significant advantage, they refrained from initiating battle, focusing on constructing extensive defensive arrays on one side of Hou Earth Desert, facing the two sword cultivator sects. At that time, it was assumed they were being conservative despite holding an advantageous position, opting for strategic caution—a move known as 'delayed hand'." "But viewing the current situation, it turns out to be an exceedingly brilliant move!" Mo Jianxin expressed this with an admiring tone. "Quick and adept in combat, sword cultivators excel in solo duels, small skirmishes, and even large-scale chaotic battles. Rui Jin and Thick Earth couldn't measure up, resulting in significant initial setbacks. But upon Chai Yi’s arrival, leveraging their absolute military strength, he stabilized the front lines on either side of the Hou Earth Desert, aiding them in constructing a comprehensive defensive system. With Lingmu and Lihuo unable to march southward today, Rui Jin and Thick Earth efficiently rely on this system, playing the defensive turtle role effectively!" "Avoiding duels and skirmishes that would highlight the sword cultivator's strengths, they focus solely on defense, forming a united and impenetrable stance. Because of this, relying on their own efforts alone, the situation remains only slightly disadvantaged!" While Mo Jianxin could recognize this, many of the gathered heads and leaders silently nodded in agreement, acknowledging the near-perfection of his analysis. "Chai Yi? Is he truly that formidable?" Only Sha Nuo's voice cut through with dissatisfaction. (To be continued)