478 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

### Chapter 478: Heading South to Collect Debts The palace at the peak of the Penitent Mountain was a place of reflection, where Qi Xiu stroked his long beard thoughtfully, gazing serenely at the sky outside the doorway. "Oh? Did Han Ping really say that?" "Yes, he mentioned that the Dan Alliance is willing to support Changfeng's attempt to seize the position of Sect Master in exchange for us waiving part of the debt we are owed," replied Nangong Yanran, leaning slightly against Qin Changfeng's shoulder beside her. "I drove him away immediately and told him not even half a spirit stone would be spared." "Han Ping approached me with the same offer," chuckled Xiong Shisi. "Naturally, I refused." "Well done!" Qi Xiu nodded in approval, addressing the dozens of clan leaders from the Chu and Qin Alliance gathered in the hall. "The Dan Alliance is like a pesky fly that tries to exploit every opportunity. As long as we stand united like today, people like Han Ping will only buzz around us helplessly. However, it is proper to reciprocate, whether for revenge or to reclaim what is rightfully ours. We must not let this matter pass—our Chu and Qin Alliance needs to be as relentless as that fly and test the strength and vulnerabilities of the Dan Alliance!" "Yes!" The crowd responded with enthusiasm, and Qi Xiu led them out of the hall. Outside the Penitent Mountain, dozens of **Silver-backed Skylarks** were linked head to tail, laden with thousands of young disciples from each family. Banners flapped in the wind, casting vast shadows across the skies. "A grain of kindness, a bushel of hatred—over ten years of selfless aid, only to be stabbed in the back!" Qi Xiu's stern voice resonated through the mountains and into the hearts of all present. "If they won't repay, we'll take it ourselves!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he shot into the sky, landing atop the leading skylark. "Southward, march!" "Yes!" The leaders followed suit, flying onto their respective skylarks, and under the watchful eyes of the Penitent Mountain, they roared southward, heading straight for Danqing Mountain. "Has Qi Xiu lost his mind?" Seeing the formidable forces heading south, those in charge of the various shops in the Penitent Mountain look at one another in disbelief. "Is this how you collect debts? Besides, Danqing Mountain has withstood the combined assaults of the spirits and firewood coalitions, surely these few forces from Chu and Qin aren't enough." "Indeed. By openly confronting them, they provide even more reason for the Dan Alliance to default on the debt." "What a reckless move! This is so unlike Qi the Slick." "How much does the Dan Alliance owe the Chu and Qin?" "At least this much," a head plotted a figure with his hand—a five. "Surely more than that!" another spread all ten fingers. "The Dan Alliance dominated the trade routes for years, and the Danqing Mountain's fortifications must have burned through countless spirit stones—at least double that!" "Probably even more." "Indeed, indeed." "It really is too much." After some exclamations, someone asked, "Will the Bai Mountain Sword Sect and the Illusion Sword Alliance default as well?" "No, they won't," laughed a representative from the Spiritual Medicine Pavilion, waving off the concern. "Both sects profited heavily from the last conflict, and post-peace treaty, they even acquired a portion of the artifact market's shares—promptly settling their accounts at Black River Fort." "Congratulations on that, then," everyone said, congratulating the representatives from the Guanghui Pavilion, the Spiritual Medicine Pavilion, the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, and the Southern Chu Gate. The Penitent Mountain was an essential transit point due to the trade route blockade by the Five Elements Alliance, and those involved surely reaped significant rewards, which explained why rumors of their promotions frequently circulated after the peace treaties at Black River Fort. "Gentlemen." Their lively conversation was interrupted by Meng Jun, the newly appointed enforcer from the Chu and Qin Gate. Displaying an official demeanor, he reminded the merchants, "Due to the potential involvement of our gate in military conflict, the Penitent Mountain is now in a state of emergency. Regardless of identity, no more than five cultivators are allowed to gather publicly. Your cooperation is appreciated." "Ah, of course, of course." Thus, everyone dispersed and returned to their respective businesses. ... On the way south, inside the palace on the lead skyray, only members of the Chu and Qin Gate were present. "Why aren't we using the family flying skiff? It's faster, more convenient, and more dignified," South Palace Yanran asked, unable to suppress her curiosity halfway down the journey. "There's another plan," Qi Xiu replied simply, not even bothering to open his eyes. Feeling slightly defeated at being kept in the dark regarding the whereabouts of the family's most valuable asset—the flying skiff—Nangong Yanran wondered if she was being distrusted. She had refused Han Ping without a second thought, yet felt unrewarded for her loyalty. Her gaze shifted to her trusted aides, who all slightly shook their heads, indicating their ignorance. "Mojianxin isn't here; the old master still trusts him the most." After surveying her surroundings, she felt somewhat reassured, knowing that Mojianxin, who had no prospects of advancement, wouldn't compete with her husband. The second-tier beast vessels couldn't reach the final destination directly. The first stop was to rest at Bomu City, where the Chu and Qin Alliance's morale plummeted from their initial excitement. After waging a deadly battle against the Spirit and Wood Alliance on the Penitent Mountain, the two factions bore a deep-seated enmity. Ironically, this ‘debt collection’ trip heavily relied on them for logistical support. Considering the Dan Alliance's tenacious resistance against the Spirit and Firewood for over a decade, it became apparent that their few thousands, with just a few dozen skyrays, would not suffice. Faced with reality, encountering Chai Yi's forced, courteous smile at the transit point further dampened their spirits. "Brother Qi, many of my Five Elements disciples lost their lives attempting to take Danqing Mountain, and here we find out you were aiding them from behind...” Seeing Qi Xiu descend to pay his respects, Chai Yi opened with a rebuke. "Do you have any idea how many people in Bomu City want you dead?" His tone suggested jest, prompting Qi Xiu to respond with a light-hearted remark. "If heaven granted me another chance, I certainly wouldn't repeat such foolish acts." Chai Yi laughed heartily, waving a sleeve to produce a dozen miscellaneous tokens, which he handed over. "I am now in agreement with both your factions. Don't put me in a difficult position." "Naturally." As Qi Xiu stashed the tokens into his storage pouch, Nangong Yanran presented a prepared lavish gift to Chai Yi with both hands. "A small token to express our sincere gratitude." Chai Yi personally accepted it. "I've heard you're the true controller of the Chu and Qin Gate. Rest assured, if that old devil Han dares renege, I won't spare him." After signaling to his disciple, the disciple retrieved two boxes of undisclosed items, presenting them to her. "A token of acquaintance, one for you, and one for Changfeng." "Uh..." Nangong Yanran glanced at Qi Xiu, and upon receiving his nod, accepted them graciously. Subsequently, she distributed some regular gift boxes from her storage pouch among Chai Yi's Lingmu Alliance disciples, turning the exchange into a scene akin to a familial visit, exuding camaraderie and warmth. After Chai Yi departed, Qi Xiu declared the operation unhindered, with instructions to board the vessel timely. The directive essentially let everyone roam free, and thousands poured into the city. Having fought their war for over a decade, Bomu City had suffered from neglected trade routes and desolation; the streets were sparsely populated, predominantly filled with their own alliance members. Such an influx startled the unprepared shopkeepers. In stark contrast, the Chu and Qin had prospered over the past decade. The "transfer" income aside, the bustling dealings at the Penitent Market flourished during wartime, driven by the surging material prices, leading to substantial savings. As this southern venture was a spontaneous decision by Qi Xiu, preparations were rushed. People swept through Bomu City like locusts, stockpiling for potential conflicts. These generous 'nouveau riche' made the local merchants so delighted they couldn't close their mouths, and some even shed tears of joy. The peace treaty inked at Black River Fort held little significance for their daily lives, but the stripped shelves were a tangible testament to new prospects. "Here within the Lingmu properties, he shouldn't be able to sense us." Within a private box at the Bomu City auction house, Xiong Shisi scrutinized his surroundings carefully, finally reclining comfortably in the leather chair with a rare expression of ease, "Whenever I'm near him, I feel constantly under his surveillance, as if exposed to prying eyes all the time. Damn exhausting!" That 'he' presumably referred to Qi Xiu. In a room with only Xiong family cultivators, Xiong Shisi allowed himself to express his true sentiments. One of the juniors, stroking the neck of a Wind Bear Beast beside him, looked puzzled, "The strategic arrangements for this operation seem rather unrealistic. It’s uncertain what the old master truly intends." “Old master? With what respect do you address him as such! You are a member of the Xiong clan of Northern Ferocity Mountain; who is your real old master!?” But the inquiry earned him a rebuke from a nearby elder in the foundation realm, leaving him both embarrassed and chastised, kneeling to apologize on the spot. "Let's not be too harsh..." Xiong Shisi gestured a virtual hand to lift him back up. "In earlier years, a destiny seer hired by the family misinterpreted his fate, wasting a decade's worth of cultivation. Yes, well… It was he who discerned his true destiny, offering a clear path forward. Consequently, his cultivation has surged in recent years; it’s no surprise he remains close to that man.” "It seems likely that his generation will recognize only the Chu and Qin Alliance, forgetting about our Northern Ferocity Mountain Xiong family." The elder sighed. Xiong Shisi remained silent, as his attention was caught by the first major auction item soon appearing onstage. "One thousand one hundred for a third-tier! Any higher bids?" After half an incense stick's time, the auctioneer's voice grew hoarse from shouting. Xiong Shisi knitted his brows in annoyance, "Who in the opposing box keeps bidding against me?!" His tone turned somewhat hostile. "It seems to be someone from the Qi family of Kongqu Mountain," replied a disciple in charge of logistics. "That unlucky woman, Qi Bingyan!" With a decisive wave of his hand, Xiong Shisi commanded, "Double my bid!" (Continued in the next chapter)