A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 121 - 107: Two Sects Submit (Part 2)

Moreover, their extinction was not by the hand of their arch-rival, the Zhou Family, but by the Yunshan Sect, which appeared out of nowhere!

The Yunshan Sect, which once led three sects’ cultivators to burn, kill, and loot in our families, turning two hundred years of mountain gates into white ground!

The two sect leaders were both shocked and angry, but more than that, they were deeply afraid. Even the Chaosheng Sect was wiped out overnight by the Yunshan Sect; how could our two sects resist?

Although these two people usually had some disputes with each other, at this life-and-death moment, they still sat together overnight to discuss the future of both their sects.

The letter delivered clearly stated that they must arrive at Bichao Mountain before noon tomorrow to pay respects to Sect Leader Lu Qian of the Yunshan Sect and establish vassalage status; otherwise, the entire sect would be annihilated.

Currently, the options are nothing but surrender, flee, or rebel. If they fled, without the Spirit Vein, relying only on a dozen people from each of the two sects, they would likely disband immediately. As for rebellion, the nearest Foundation Establishment Sect is still five hundred miles away, and distant water cannot relieve present thirst. Furthermore, how can they ensure that they will not be drowned by the water they sought?

After discussing all night, in the end, surrender was the only option. After announcing this decision, the two sect leaders clearly felt the disciples in the sect breathe a sigh of relief and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

So be it, being a vassal to anyone is still being a vassal. The new sect leader was able to destroy the Chaosheng Sect, so his strength must be even greater. In this world of the weak being prey to the strong, those who are strong are reasonable. Following a powerful sect leader brings more benefits than drawbacks.

Now, the two sect leaders sat cautiously in the grand hall, daring only to sit on the edge of their chairs, anxiously waiting for Lu Qian’s arrival.

After waiting for more than half an hour, when even Jiang Qingfeng began to wonder why Lu Qian hadn’t arrived yet, they heard a disciple outside the hall loudly announce: "The Sect Leader has arrived!"

The two sect leaders hurriedly stood up and walked to the center of the hall. They saw the side door of the grand hall open, and a young man with an imposing demeanor and upright posture entered with his head held high, followed by an elderly man and a stunning woman.

Especially that stunning woman exuding overwhelming spiritual pressure and a commanding aura as they merely glimpsed with side eyes, they felt a wave of heat directly hit their faces, causing their breath to catch.

A Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar, and one with very high cultivation! This feeling was far stronger than when they had met Zhang Shouchang and Qian Ruyi in the past!

Seeing the young man take the main seat, the elder and the woman sat on the left and right below him. The two sect leaders quickly withdrew their gazes and, along with their disciples, respectfully knelt to the ground: "Small Sect Leaders paying respects to the Sect Leader! We wish the Sect Leader eternal prosperity and flourishing martial fortune!"

Sitting majestically on the main seat, looking at the four people kneeling five steps below, Lu Qian appeared slightly lost in thought.

Vassalage means that a sect’s internal affairs, diplomacy, and economy, among other aspects, are controlled by the sect leader, thereby losing independence. When vassal sects meet the sect leader, they often perform grand kowtow rituals.

Whereas I went to the Xuanguang Sect for registration, to become a subordinate sect, bowing was enough.

Now occupying a high position and being worshiped by others feels truly pleasant. This is indeed the brutal cultivation realm! If I am not vigilant and keep a constant alarm, managing the sect well, once the Yunshan Sect fails, it will be my turn to kneel to others next.

Jiang Qingfeng, standing by their side, introduced: "Sect Leader, this is Sect Leader Xuu Yingcai of Qingli Mountain."

The long-bearded cultivator bowed again: "Xuu Yingcai greets the Sect Leader."

"And this is Sect Leader Chen Wei of Liuhua Valley."

The fair-faced cultivator also saluted: "Chen Wei greets the Sect Leader."

After the introductions, Jiang Qingfeng stepped aside to stand behind Lu Qian. Lu Qian nodded with a smile: "Since the two sect leaders have decided to come to Bichao Mountain, we are now family from today onward. Please rise."

After expressing their thanks, the four stood up. Taking this opportunity, Xuu Yingcai and Chen Wei secretly sized up Lu Qian. This young man had sword-like eyebrows, eyes like bright stars, and a handsome face, but why is his cultivation only at the Late-Stage Qi Cultivation?

Both of them were moved and involuntarily exchanged glances.

Earlier, they were overwhelmed by Guh Nishang’s imposing presence and did not observe closely, but now that they saw, they immediately had some other thoughts.

They assumed that to have destroyed the Chaosheng Sect, Lu Qian would at least be at Foundation Establishment stage, but now finding that this Yunshan Sect Leader’s cultivation resembled their own, they were deeply puzzled. Moreover, usually, all Elders would attend to show solemnity in accepting vassals, yet the elder before them was not of Foundation Establishment either.

Could it be that the entire Yunshan Sect only has this one woman at Foundation Establishment?

Recollecting that upon entering the mountain, they only felt the usually bustling Bichao Mountain was eerily silent today, with only the sound of the trees rustling. They had originally thought this solemnity and estranged atmosphere were normal for a post-battle setting, but now they speculated, how many disciples does this Yunshan Sect actually have?

Though keeping an obedient semblance, their bodies had already begun to exhibit different movements influenced by doubt arising from these suspicions.

Lu Qian sat high, observing everything clearly like a mirror.

At this moment, he let out a cold chuckle: "Do the two sect leaders think that I have low cultivation and thus question the strength of my Yunshan Sect?"

Xuu and Chen hurriedly replied they dared not.

Lu Qian said coldly: "The Chaosheng Sect gathered three Foundation Establishment, over a hundred elite disciples, yet they were completely wiped out by my Yunshan Sect. Chaosheng Sect was overthrown in a single night; this happened just the night before last. With two tigers fighting, my Yunshan Sect naturally took some damage and is somewhat weakened."

"However," Lu Qian suddenly spoke sternly and loudly, "obliterating your Qingli Mountain and Liuhua Valley is just a matter of snapping my fingers!"

In an instant, fire blazed from Guh Nishang, flowing like lava under her snowy skin, making the great hall seem as though molten iron had been poured out!

Her golden-red pupils turned over, exuding formidable might, making everyone seem as if they were facing a primordial fierce beast about to choose a victim to devour.

Xuu Yingcai and Chen Wei paled in fear, hurriedly kneeling with their disciples and loudly begged for mercy.

Lu Qian signaled Guh Nishang to withdraw her Divine Techniques, then looked coldly at the four for a while, watching them all shiver and deeply regret their actions.

Master Xuan Ji suddenly spoke: "Our sect’s Elder Guh possesses unparalleled might, defeating Chaosheng Sect’s three Foundation Establishment with mere bare hands, forcing them to their knees to beg for mercy. Our Sect Leader did not ascend through ancestral shelter but won the land through real combat. His cultivation is extraordinary; even against typical Foundation Establishment, they wouldn’t gain any advantage against him! You two sects becoming Yunshan’s vassals is truly a blessing, don’t be ungrateful!"

Lu Qian knew that this was Master Xuan Ji giving them an out, and sure enough, Sect Leaders Xuu and Chen kept kowtowing, repeatedly expressing their apologies for not recognizing Mount Tai and pleading for forgiveness from the Sect Leader, and so on.

Lu Qian’s heart stirred a bit, and he proclaimed loudly: "Cultivators often tailor their approach based on the person, so it’s natural for you to have doubts. Elder Xuan Ji’s words were complimentary, and I imagine you wouldn’t fully believe it. Therefore, I’ll give you a chance."

Xuu and Chen raised their heads in confusion and heard Lu Qian continue: "Since you think my cultivation is lacking, why not experience it firsthand? If within ten breaths I can’t defeat you four, I will lose, and your two families will not have to submit the annual tribute for ten years. But if I win, I will have the right to deploy your two sects’ cultivators at any time and place without any refusal for any reason, how about it?"

Xuu and Chen were dumbfounded, and after a long time, daringly asked: "Sect Leader, you mean, you alone will take action and defeat all four of us within ten breaths?"

Lu Qian nodded lightly.

Xuu and Chen exchanged several glances. No matter how they looked at it, Lu Qian seemed only to be a Late-Stage Qi Cultivation. Even if he possessed Secret Techniques, achieving invincibility at the same stage was already quite remarkable. Further stepping back, even if Lu Qian claimed to defeat their four, Xuu and Chen might choose to believe it.

But adding a precondition: within ten breaths!

Is this possible? Be aware that as sect leaders, they have access to all sect resources, and Xuu and Chen have plenty of defensive Magical Artifacts. Even if they encounter an Early-Stage Foundation Establishment, their four Late-Stage Qi Cultivation with preparation and full defense should manage to last more than ten breaths.

Can this Late-Stage Qi Cultivation Sect Leader Lu possibly unleash attacks of Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment level?

One must take risks to achieve wealth, let’s do it, let’s do it!

Thus, the two nodded to each other and loudly declared: "Sect Leader, please enlighten us!"