485 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 485: The Jade Crane's Ascension The calamity-stricken Tianyin and Shandu Mountains, their spiritual veins already devastated, presented no issue when excavated. However, the Dan Alliance's untouched mountain gates, numbering more than ten, were to be spared from such damage. Practitioners of the Dao must consider harmony between heaven and man, thus Qixiou dared not truly excavate them. After reloading the shrimp camel beasts onto their ships, thousands from the Chu and Qin Alliance joyfully embarked on their return northward. For the disciples unaware of the internal matters, the journey would have been perfect if only their master patriarch hadn’t suffered such a severe defeat. In Baishan, the fame of Qin Changfeng and Qi Zhuang once again echoed powerfully. Particularly Qi Zhuang, whose title as the ‘Sword Demon’ had become synonymous with unrivaled dominance among the Golden Core stage. Meanwhile, the battle where Ying Bo defeated Qixiou in seven moves was a tale recited with relish; his bronze spear had become legendary, reputed as one of Baishan's astounding weapons. As for Qixiou, he wished for nothing more than people underestimating his martial prowess, having long ceased to care about such reputations. In Baishan, everyone knew the 150-year rise of the Chu and Qin sect. When speaking of him, they had to offer a thumbs-up and call him a remarkable hero. A month and a half later, in Heihe Town, the Hehuan Sect's medium-sized auction house, freshly renovated, welcomed its first batch of guests. Major families like the Qi clan of Qi Nan, the Teng clan from Ximeng Mountain, the Beasts Gate of Southern Regions, Wanbao Pavilion, Lingyao Pavilion, Guanhui Pavilion, and many others, including the Nanchu sect, Chu and Qin Alliance, Wuxing Alliance, Baishan Sword Sect, Illusory Sword Alliance, and Khestarr Pavilion, gathered here. Even distant strongholds such as Jixia City, Qi Yun City, Qi Dong City, Haidong City, Mingyang Mountain, and Nanlin Temple sent envoys. Their singular objective: the so-called Dan Alliance fundraising auction today. To claim the core inheritance of a Yuanying sect, one usually resorts to either seizure or purchase. Purchasing such precious foundational items—rarely on sale—is preferred over violent appropriation. Hence, upon the Hehuan Sect announcing this event, major sects and families flocked like vultures drawn to a feast, eager to partake. Rumors of Lingyao Pavilion's secret collusion to monopolize a pill formula and suppress bids prompted this auction to adopt anonymous bidding. An undisclosed reserve price ensures that failing to meet it results in lots being unsold. The Dan Alliance, impoverished to the point of collapse, left Ying Bo with no choice but to liquidate assets for maximum value, given both external and internal debts remained post-war. Three protracted conflicts—the wars for war expansion, against the Spirit Wood Dan Alliance, and the Baishan civil war—had depleted their reserves. Otherwise, Elder Han Yan wouldn't have attempted to default on debts owed to Chu and Qin, nor would Han Ping, an exemplary disciple carrying the [Delusional Wind Bell], struggle to afford the Core Formation. Ying Bo needs these funds to stabilize his position and secure the alliance’s future, aligning with the Hehuan Sect and Chu and Qin Alliance’s interests. Otherwise, the Dan Alliance faces inevitable collapse. ‘Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap,’ Qi Xiu placed five stones on the board while Chu Shen leisurely picked up a white stone to respond. Within the private room, Nanchu and Chu and Qin cultivators gathered socially, using the time before the auction began to engage with one another, while the two leaders conversed quietly in a corner. “You’ve forced the debts to be acknowledged, but now your hidden support for the Dan Alliance over the years has been exposed. What will the Five Elements Alliance make of this?” Chu Shen inquired. “Water itself is internally divided, Sharp Metal and Thick Earth are far south, Spirit Wood has a pact with us, only Fiery Ancient Melting might be severely offended.” Grimacing towards Gu Tiesheng’s direction, Qi Xiu lamented, “In recent years, Ancient Melting has represented the Fiery Alliance in acquiring significant resources from us. Now, the revelation of our private dealings with the Dan Alliance has landed him in a challenging position within the Fiery Alliance.” “Matters like these…” Chu Shen pondered, then laughed, “After the auction, flood him with spirit stones to appease him.” Qi Xiu shook his head, smiling wryly, “I suppose that’s the only way.” During this anonymous auction, sealed private rooms prevent mutual recognition to avoid unnecessary competition among allies, so Chu and Qin partnered with Nanchu. Due to the Dan Alliance’s production focus, most attendees were production cultivators, facilitating quick decisions about which items to pursue. In Baishan, after a fight today, everyone might know your innate talents, magical treasures, and abilities by tomorrow. However, production cultivators, rarely revealing their essential techniques, attract attention when purchasing formulas or crafting recipes. Only absolutely trusted allies gather to bid together. Nanchu’s production contingent exceeded fifty skilled craftsmen, divided into distinct groups. One was naturally the Chu family, another comprised defectors from the Tool Talisman Alliance, including many related to Qi Bingyan of Chu and Qin’s Kongqu Mountain. A third formed by newly joined Ximeng sect artisans, previously fellow disciples to Chu and Qin’s teaching and enforcement faction. Lastly, the vassal families that migrated south with Chu and Qin, to which they could arguably be included. Post the recreation of the [E Wood Wind Shuttle], Nanchu had excelled in crafting. With Ximeng sect newcomers, they began advancing rapidly in spirit plant cultivation and alchemy, suggesting a promising future in production. Conversely, Chu and Qin’s production talents were few, primarily led by Gu Tiesheng, Zhang Shengnan, Duoluosen, and Mo Jianxin. The Kongqu Mountain’s Qi family excelled in crafting, with Sha Nuo from the Whitesand Gang and his twin wives from the Lingyao Pavilion’s Gan family excelling in specific spiritual attributes. Most others produced only unremarkable low-grade products. Whether from past alliances at Sikoushan, familial ties, or former collegial relationships, the two groups mingled amicably. As the auction began, during the initial stage, a representative from the Hehuan Sect showcased various Dan Alliance-produced pills. Lacking rare items, the bidding remained inactive, driven by low-level cultivators in the hall. “Where are they?” Chu Shen removed a large dragon piece from Qi Xiu’s control, eyebrows furrowed. The auction had started, yet the Qi Yun Chu family was notably absent. Just then, twenty-odd individuals entered the private room—all production cultivators from the Qi Yun Chu family. Their demeanor, distinct from Nanchu and Chu and Qin attendees, reflected a classic Daoist nobility, detached and reserved, forming a closed circle after formal greetings. Surprisingly, the last to enter was Chu Wen. “Why are you leading the team?” Chu Shen and Qi Xiu, both perplexed by Chu Wen’s presence, questioned, given his aversion to mundane tasks. “I brought something for you.” Chu Wen retrieved a long wooden box from his storage bag and tossed it to Qi Xiu. Upon opening it, Qi Xiu found it empty, confused until urged to touch inside. His fingers encountered what felt like bird feathers, invoking a familiar sensation. “This is an invisible crane's feather!?” Memories of capturing the creature with An Siyan flooded back. “Indeed, Jade Crane sends this gift. He has ascended to the Yuanying stage.” Chu Wen shared, his expression complex, hinting at bittersweet emotions from witnessing a peer’s progress. “He's formed his Yuanying!” Qi Xiu expressed shock, then saw the logic. Jade Crane was a prodigious talent, only hindered by mental burdens post-battle with Chu Tuo. With those gone, ascension naturally followed. The box contained over ten long feathers—invisible cranes were rare creatures, and their feathers valuable crafting materials. “Why would he give me these?” Puzzled, given their contentious history, Qi Xiu pondered why a Yuanying cultivator would offer gifts. “Do you know how he achieved Yuanying?” Chu Wen prompted an unrelated query. “How?” Qi Xiu obliged, curious about this twist. “He slew his life companion beast, achieving enlightenment through this drastic act!” Chu Wen revealed solemnly. “Killed it!? He ascended by slaying the crane?” Qi Xiu, aware of Jade Crane's profound bond with the creature, was stunned by this ruthlessly decisive path. “The Dao of Forgetting Sentiment?” Chu Shen probed further. “Who can say!” Chu Wen, melancholic, speculated, “Forgetting sentiment is manageable, but ruthlessness or heartlessness bring complications. Do you know what he gave me?” He withdrew another unseen item from his coat, “The invisible crane's beak. I can't fathom his intentions…” “Regardless of the sentiment pursued, you don't think he’d still bear a grudge from the stele forest trial, do you?” Qi Xiu jested, feeling the bizarre situation, “It was a misunderstanding, a mere misunderstanding.” "Sigh, my mind is in turmoil! If that incident results in gaining an enemy like him at the level of a Yuanying master from the Beasts Gate, my Chu family would be in big trouble!" Chu Wen said, clearly troubled. "Anyway, I plan to attend his Yuanying ascension ceremony to smooth things over. Are you going?" he asked Qi Xiu. "I won't be going," Qi Xiu shook his head. "My path to Dao is difficult, and traveling all the way to the Beasts Gate's main mountain is too much of a detour." With no clear solution, the three of them decided to drop the matter for now. Chu Wen turned his attention to the chess game between Qi Xiu and Chu Shen, quickly setting aside his worries. He laughed and scolded, "You terrible chess player, you've lost ages ago!" Then he promptly pushed Qi Xiu out of his seat and sat across from Chu Shen, grabbing a large wine jug from his waist and taking a hearty swig. "Watch me." With a casual gesture, he wiped the chessboard clean. Qi Xiu gave Chu Shen a helpless look, then decisively made his exit. Not long after, Chu Wen, true to form, began to sing boisterously to his drink, reciting lyrics about being carefree. Outside, the preliminary auction was reaching its conclusion. The atmosphere inside the venue was lively with chatter when suddenly the auctioneer called out loudly, "An eleventh share of Baishan's [Nine Star Workshop], starting price thirty thousand third-tier spirit stones!" (To be continued)