500 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 500: Han Ping Forms a Golden Core The colossal giant, spanning a thousand feet, was an awe-inspiring sight from Qiyun to Baishan, witnessed by countless individuals. Qi Xiu was among them. After witnessing the giant's silhouette vanish within the borders of Junxuan Mountain, Qi Xiu wasn't inclined to ponder much further—this was the territory of an old fox at the Nascent Soul stage, far beyond his meddling capacity. However, many cultivators from Baishan were unaware of this, wondering if the Junxuan Mountain in the Chu-Qin region was set to reveal its secrets, just as the Bi Lake relic had emerged within the Water Alliance. Their whimsical speculations reignited a buzz around Junxuan Mountain for quite some time. That, however, is a story for another time. Qi Xiu hurriedly made his way to the underground palace of South Chu City, arriving just as a message from the Star-Picking Pavilion arrived. "Chu Wen, Miao Qing, Chang Feng, and Yanran have been captured, and the Star-Picking Pavilion is demanding a ransom?" "Bi Lake relic—it could be another instance like the Black River Peak?" "That giant apparition might be an embodiment of the Heaven's Peak leader?" Chu Hongshang, foregoing her usual lazy demeanor, solemnly conveyed these three bombshells. Qi Xiu was momentarily stunned but quickly composed himself, "Regardless of how we justify it, if we can pay for their release, let's do it promptly." Both Chu Wen of the Qi Yun Chu family and Qin Chang Feng of the Chu-Qin Sect are indispensable talents, and their loss would be unbearable. Wealth, for the families who profited massively during the Baishan civil conflict, was no concern. "As for the Bi Lake relic... the Nangong family doesn’t require our attention, and Jiang Huan is probably backed by Lu Yunzi—when the titans clash, the little folks suffer; if we can call them back, all the better." "Regarding whether the giant silhouette is the Heaven's Peak leader, we have no connection. Next time there's a chance to meet Lu Yunzi, we might casually inquire." After Qi Xiu offered his advice, Chu Hongshang mockingly retorted, “True to your style—cautious and always retreating.” Despite her remark, she swiftly summoned Chu Qingyu and instructed him as Qi Xiu suggested. “No.” Qi Xiu quickly stopped the departing Chu Qingyu, “Even Chu Shen couldn't handle those dozen old figures; how could Qingyu manage? The situation in Baishan is complex and unclear; venturing to Star-Picking City isn't safe for him either.” After pacing briefly, he decided, “For Star-Picking City, I'll entrust Sect Master Yan Nanxing of the Yan Gui Sect to negotiate fully on our behalf. He traverses Baishan unhindered and is worldly-wise—the best choice for this task. As for Bi Lake... with Chu Shen Cang now acting rashly, given his standing in the Qi Yun Chu family, whoever goes can't sway him; we'll have to let them be.” “Alas!” Chu Hongshang, having no other option, sighed deeply—a rare display, “Facing the great fear of life and death, reaching a point like Chu Shen Cang’s, we'd likely be equally unwilling to let go.” … *Clang!* Within a secret chamber of Bi Lake, a massive hawk-shaped mechanical puppet soared high, clashing fiercely with the shadowy talon projected by Chu Shen Cang. The resulting shockwave reverberated across the narrow corridor; neither side gained the upper hand, both recoiling in retreat. “Well, well!” Chu Shen Cang, his white hair flowing wildly, exclaimed continuously, “Such power from a mere puppet—delightful, delightful!” He halted his fleeing light, pulling out several formation tools and hurling them at the mechanical beast's legs. Billows of black mist arose; despite the puppet’s formidable power, it lacked adaptability. When the formation activated, it plunged headlong into the mist instead of retreating. “Foolish creature!” Chu Shen Cang laughed heartily as the crisp sound of metal shattering came from the mist. The mechanical beast was indeed trapped, unable to escape, its exterior beginning to deteriorate, shedding large patches of feathered components. The advantage clear, yet he dared not slacken, weaving a hand seal before him; the hawk shadow behind him refined to a vivid, lifelike presence, its massive eyes fixed relentlessly on the mechanical beast’s every move. “There!” After a mere incense stick’s worth of time, the mechanical beast, heavily depleted, neared breaking free from the formation. Chu Shen Cang swiftly summoned a flying sword, which darted out under the guidance of the hawk shadow, piercing effortlessly through a weak spot beneath its wing. “Break!” He shouted again, as a faint clatter arose from within the mechanical beast, before it plummeted lifelessly to the ground, all motion ceased. “Ultimately, just a dead thing.” Retrieving his flying sword, along with a large crystal it had managed to scoop up, the old man, despite his exhaustion, didn’t rest. Casting his gaze towards a jade box guarded by the puppet, he seized it eagerly. Just as he was about to open it, an indistinct threat of lethal intent from behind caught his attention. With no time to spare, he swung his flying sword backward, propelling himself forward. *Clang!* True enough, the flying sword precisely intercepted the incoming artifact: a green jade hairpin. “You are indeed quite alert.” A young female cultivator, retrieving her jade hairpin, staggered half a step back, evidently having suffered a minor setback. An elder and a younger male cultivator in the group behind her were none other than Gui Qingzhi and his family. “You are disciples of Confucian lineage, are you not? I am a cultivator from Qi Yun; we all uphold the righteous path…” Recognizing their attire, Chu Shen Cang’s heart eased slightly, and he was about to negotiate when the trio showed no interest; their lifebound treasures, flying swords, talismans, and other items unleashed in a floral scatter—having failed in stealth, they intended to kill outright. “Leave everything behind!” Gui Qingzhi sneered. Having lived over five centuries, Chu Shen Cang was no easy prey; the hawk shadow reappeared behind him, spreading its wings as he soared, swiftly taking control of the battlefield. Knowing he couldn’t fight head-on, he spotted an opening and fled like a breeze. “Damn it!” His hawk escape method was exceptionally swift, leaving the trio’s attack empty-handed. Gui Qingzhi, collecting his black-feathered fan artifact, cursed at the sight of the retreating Chu Shen Cang, “We should’ve circled him in first for a flank attack.” “Now you realize it?” His father replied irritably, “To strike the few with many, to encircle and annihilate—this is what children first learn in books on military strategy!” “If you knew, why didn’t you say so earlier?” Gui Qingzhi’s retort left his father blushing. “Cut it out!” Gui Qingzhi’s wife, retracting her jade hairpin, said helplessly, “None of us have experience, let's learn as we go along.” The three found another passage, continuing their exploration amidst bickering. … Meanwhile, in the grand hall of Danqing Mountain, the tension had reached its peak. Han Tianqing’s smoky silhouette was filled with fury, his gaze scrutinizing those kneeling on the floor. On one side knelt the long-absent Han Yan Lao and his supporters, while on the other side were Yin Bo, Yin Zhong, and Yin Ji—the three brothers, along with their gathered disciples over the years. When his eyes fell upon the Yin brothers, his murderous intent was barely controllable, his overwhelming presence palpable. The incense in the censer was nearing its end; the entire hall was deathly silent, no one dared to make a sound. Suddenly, a disciple announced from outside, “Han Ping has returned!” Han Tianqing’s head snapped up, and it was as if the entire hall came to life; Han Yan Lao and Yin Bo turned simultaneously towards the entrance. A Golden Core stage cultivator strode proudly into the hall. “Han Ping?” Han Tianqing hesitated briefly upon seeing him, then beamed with joy, “You’ve formed your Golden Core too! Wonderful! Wonderful indeed!” “Greetings, Ancestor!” Han Ping respectfully kowtowed, “Disciple was fortunate to form his core in Qi Nan City; I apologize for my late return, begging Ancestor’s forgiveness.” “No need, no need.” With Han Ping’s successful core formation, Han Tianqing’s mood improved significantly, “Now tell me, what exactly has been happening in the sect these years!” “Yes.” Han Ping agreed, while his eyes surveyed both sides. “Everyone else, leave!” Han Tianqing commanded, dismissing the others with a wave. “It’s like this…” Han Ping, whose innate gift was the False Speech Bell, excelled at spinning tales, delivering the narrative he’d previously agreed upon with Qi Xiu without missing a beat. “Xidian Shen has also explicitly expressed support for Yin Bo.” “Gui Gu?” Han Tianqing questioned, “He's involving himself in our family affairs now?” Han Ping replied, “Senior Brother Han Yan was persistently entangled in repayment issues with the Chu-Qin Sect, which displeased Xidian Shen waiting for tributary offerings.” “I see!” Han Tianqing was finally convinced. He summoned everyone back, offering some warm words to Yin Bo, while gently reprimanding Han Yan Lao, before returning to the bronze oil lamp, concluding his presence. Seeing him off, Yin Bo sprang up, his position in the Dan Alliance finally solidified at this moment. The hall was abuzz with Dan Alliance members eager to ingratiate themselves. As Han Yan Lao quietly slipped away, only a scant few supporters remained at his side.