43 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

"Master, the black mist has cleared, it’s really gone!" Gu Ji shouted as he sprinted up the mountain. Atop the Black River Peak, all members of the Chu Qin Sect were present. Despite the news, none showed any signs of excitement; instead, they turned their eyes in unison to Qi Xiu. "Ah, just as expected, the first snow arrives and the mist disperses. It's only that the snow in the southern territories has come a bit late," Qi Xiu remarked. He observed the snowflakes, isolated by the grand array, while pacing slowly on the peak, seemingly hesitant about something. His disciples stood by respectfully. After a long while, his expression hardened, determination evident. "Since that’s the case, there’s no reason to hesitate any longer!" He abruptly turned and called to Zhan Yuan, "Zhan Yuan!" "Disciple present!" Zhan Yuan stepped forward solemnly. "I've acquired five Wind Array Spirit Boats from Yu Denuo all for his aid this time. Go invite him to meet us first thing tomorrow at the cultivation site. I've briefed him, and he knows the way. Then return directly to Black River Peak to oversee the gate with Shen Chang, Gu Ji, and Qin Weiyu!” “Yes!” Zhan Yuan agreed without hesitation, saluting Qi Xiu before launching into flight with his magical implement towards the west. Qi Xiu turned to another disciple, “Zhang Shishi!” “Disciple present!” “Is everything ready for use?” “It’s all prepared!” “Good!” Qi Xiu’s voice rang with a rare fierce intensity. “Zhang Shishi, He Yu, Pan Rong, Yu Jing, Huang He! The five of you grab your equipment and set out with me!” “Yes!” they responded in unison. Soon, each of the five disciples had a large pack strapped to their backs, standing eagerly before Qi Xiu, exuding a sharp aura. "Excellent!" Qi Xiu nodded approvingly before commanding, “Let’s move out!” He led the way onto the spirit boat, followed swiftly by the five, their departure watched with envy by Gu Ji, as they flew northward. The first snow at Black River was heavy. Clad in gray robes against the snowstorm, they began their swift flight, departing in the morning and arriving at their destination with the sunset. Hovering in the air above the cultivation point, they saw the black mist had vanished, leaving only a thin layer mixing with the snow, forming a sticky, foul-smelling black sludge. They landed at a small hill, the highest point for arranging their formation. Qi Xiu directed the boat’s descent. The disciples followed his lead, alighting one by one after their long flight through the storm; each was dusted with a thin layer of ice. Though Zhang Shishi fared better, the others showed signs of fatigue. “Take a Rejuvenation Pill, endure for now. Shishi, you lead in setting up the array without delay.” Qi Xiu kept his orders steady, prioritizing their task over concern for his disciples. They took the spirit pills and joined Shishi in their work. The Yellow Sand Illusion Array had lost its effect after the Golden Light Array was initiated. Qi Xiu planned the cultivation site to dismantle the old array and reconstruct it nearby as a permanent base. Exhausted from the long flight, Qi Xiu also consumed a Rejuvenation Pill and circled the hill to inspect the area. The snow-covered Black River was new to him. The last remnants of the mist hovered, repelled by his robe’s protective charms. Despite the cold, the marshland remained warm, melting the snow into the foul black sludge beneath their feet. He vigilantly checked their surroundings for wildlife, recorded mostly as local lizard and snake species, including a few non-threatening tier-one spirit beasts. The second assembly of the Yellow Sand Illusion Array proceeded swiftly, with the array activating around midnight, casting a yellow glow over the hill. “Such stationary arrays suffer damage with dismantling, rushed this way, it’s likely only seventy percent effective,” Zhang Shishi cautioned upon Qi Xiu’s return. “It suffices; it's only a temporary shelter, just needing to shield against wind and mist. Erect the temporary tents, eat something, and rest; everyone’s weary,” Qi Xiu replied. “Understood.” Reciting an incantation, Zhang Shishi purified the mud using earth techniques, revealing the soil beneath. He Yu then leveled it. They assembled the tents using wooden poles, fastened by Pan Rong’s wood-based spells, covering them with tarps. “Alright, this is as good as it gets outside. Get some rest; when Yu Denuo arrives tomorrow, we’ll scour the area for creatures.” Qi Xiu instructed. His disciples, exhausted, cleansed the snow and sludge from their gray robes with cleaning spells, slumbering around the glowing campfire. Only He Yu stayed awake in meditation, finishing his nightly practices before sleep. Qi Xiu nodded in approval before exiting the tent. This night, he had assigned himself the watch. With dawn, the snow ceased, and Yu Denuo arrived early, flying on his swift sword. He found Qi Xiu drowsily watching outside the tent. “Master Qi, your efforts are appreciated,” Yu Denuo greeted with respect. Initially skeptical of the highly regarded Master Qi, seeing him personally keeping watch earned his genuine admiration. Qi Xiu returned the courtesy, “I’m grateful, Friend Yu, for your aid. Your help is something I owe a debt for, to be repaid in time.” “A mere trifle, Master Qi, no need for such formalities. Haven’t you attended to my business needs? Mutual aid requires no repayment. Besides, there are few fierce beasts these days; it’s more a pleasant outing,” Yu Denuo laughed. They chatted about livestock and fish, Qi Xiu openly sharing his plans, omitting only their dealings with Zhao Liangde. “It’s fortunate you’ve connected with Senior Zhao; your sect is bound for smooth sailing and prosperity. My congratulations, Master Qi,” Yu Denuo replied, smiling meaningfully. Aware of Zhao Liangde’s reputation, Yu Denuo’s guess was astute. Yet, Qi Xiu couldn’t confirm this directly and navigated the conversation tactfully. Hearing the noise, the disciples awakened, greeted the two men, and exited the tent. “The area’s expansive. Pack up; it’s time to leave,” Qi Xiu commanded. The bleak Black River after the snow was all oppressive marshland, spurring a longing for the warmth of Black River Peak covered in blessed clouds. (To be continued.)