A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 163 - 133: The Night Before the Grand Ceremony

"Inside this is the temporary antidote for the Rotting God and Soul-Splitting Poison given by that mysterious person," Fairy Nishang shook the porcelain bottle, and the pills inside made a clear clinking sound. "There were originally ten pills here; I used one for research, so there are nine left."

Lu Qian was momentarily stunned, then realized that this was an unexpected yet reasonable answer. No wonder this bottle of elixir came without any instructions. It must be because after Zhang Shouchang was poisoned, he had already taken it, so he would recognize it without needing any explanation.

"Temporary antidote?"

"That’s right. Each elixir can delay the onset of the poison for about a year," Fairy Nishang rolled her palm, revealing a bright white pearl in her hand, causing Lu Qian to tense up as he knew that this pearl contained a wisp of poison left by Fairy Nishang.

Fairy Nishang studied this wisp of poison and the elixirs together to arrive at a more detailed result.

It seems this Rotting God and Soul-Splitting Poison is a chronic poison that requires regular doses of antidote to ensure safety. This was also the mysterious person’s method to control Zhang Shouchang.

"If each elixir can delay the poison for a year, and the mysterious person set a three-year agreement, why give ten elixirs? Isn’t he afraid Zhang Shouchang will find a way to detoxify within ten years?"

Fairy Nishang shook her head: "This poison is very insidious. It’s not a poison from plants but derived from Gu insects. Moreover, it’s a mixture of multiple poisonous Gu insects. It requires a corresponding Gu Mother, operated in a specific order and dosage, to completely detoxify. So once poisoned, no one but the poisoner can detoxify by conventional means."

Lu Qian felt his scalp tingle as he listened to Fairy Nishang continue: "Alternatively, a cultivator with great prowess, using superior cultivation, might suppress the poison. This poison was administered by a Golden Core Master, so it probably requires a Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch to suppress it forcefully."

No wonder that mysterious person was so confident. If Zhang Shouchang could find a Nascent Soul Spirit Monarch to help, he wouldn’t dare to control Zhang Shouchang. So, what difference would it make whether the poison was administered or not?

Moreover, the poison was placed in all five storage pouches, possibly causing others accompanying to retrieve the treasures to also be poisoned, so a few extra pills were given.

Looking at it this way, to ensure that Chaosheng Sect’s power wasn’t weakened and to not affect the plan to seize Yuqing Mountain, the mysterious person went to great lengths.

Unfortunately, all of this benefited Lu Qian and the Yunshan Sect.

Lu Qian quickly asked, "Since the poison can’t be detoxified, can these elixirs to delay the poison be replicated?"

Although he didn’t know what the situation would be after three years, it’s always good to be more prepared. Lu Qian thought it unlikely after asking, but to his surprise, Fairy Nishang hesitated for a moment and then nodded: "I have a sample of this poison and these elixirs in hand, so I can give it a try. It’s certainly impossible to make an exact replica, but it might be feasible to create something with similar effects. However, the cost will be high, and I can’t guarantee how effective it will be."

Lu Qian was overjoyed and asked Fairy Nishang to do her best. As Fairy Nishang put away the poison pearl and antidote and was about to leave, Lu Qian remembered something, smiling as he called her back.

"What is it?" Seeing Lu Qian’s obviously mischievous grin, Fairy Nishang resisted the urge to punch him.

"Elder Gu, are you satisfied with the treehouse?"

Fairy Nishang hummed in response, recalling the structure recently built spanning several ancient tree crowns. Architecturally clever, she had never seen such a place before, nestled among the thick foliage, serene and elegant, drawing admiration from passing disciples.

Baitao was even more excited, insisting she stay there with Fairy Nishang until Jiang Qingfeng hurriedly came to take her away.

"Not bad indeed, it’s certainly more comfortable than staying on a tree." Fairy Nishang nodded.

"That’s good," Lu Qian rubbed his hands. "If you’re satisfied with your time here at Yunshan Sect, could you occasionally refine some elixirs for the Qi Cultivation Stage disciples?"

Perhaps because of the many battles recently and being in a good mood, after some persuasion from Lu Qian, Fairy Nishang agreed to the request, with the condition that she would spar with Lu Qian once a month.

For the cultivation of the Yunshan disciples, sacrificing his body once a month was a small price to pay, Lu Qian thought righteously.

Simultaneously, Fairy Nishang also requested that Lu Qian collect the Foundation Establishment Stage elixir ingredients she needed. Although she was wealthy, having left Danxia Sect with a heap of miraculous elixirs, she would be at Yunshan Sect for ten years and would eventually run out of supplies, requiring early preparation.

Lu Qian naturally agreed wholeheartedly.

Having solved another crucial matter, Lu Qian felt even more at ease. He immediately asked Jiang Qingfeng to verify the inventory, ensuring that the medicinal materials needed by Fairy Nishang for refining Danxia Sect’s exclusive elixirs were available and not accidentally wasted by disciples still learning the Alchemy Dao.

In the following days, he continued his diligent cultivation, delving into the "Wave Array Secret Manual," while systematically advancing the preparations for the sect ceremony and overseeing sect affairs, paying attention to the disciples’ cultivation.

Dozens of days flashed by, and in the blink of an eye, it was December 19th, the night before the Yunshan Sect’s founding ceremony.

To support Lu Qian’s plan, allies and vassals, a total of six sects, except for a few left to guard their mountain gates, dispatched their elite forces to gather at Bichao Mountain.

It was now the cold winter of December. Even on Bichao Mountain, where the winds constantly howled and the rush of trees never ceased, a light snow had fallen. As the snow dissipated and clouds dispersed, the full moon rose high, with the cold moonlight and snow-covered Bichao Mountain complementing each other. Coupled with the upcoming ceremony, the mountain was adorned with red lanterns to welcome distinguished guests, adding to a festive atmosphere.

To entertain the eighty elite members from these six sects, Lu Qian ordered a grand feast, celebrating amidst the snow and moonlight. Cups clinked; guests and hosts enjoyed themselves, making Bichao Mountain livelier than ever.

In the cold of winter, most Yunshan disciples, having relatively low cultivation, still needed clothing for warmth. Lu Qian brought in a group of tailors to craft thick, soft cloaks over the Yunshan Sect uniforms. Wearing them made the disciples not only warmer but also more spirited and formidable.

Zhou Chao looked at these refreshed, energetic, and confident Yunshan disciples, feeling conflicted. Who would have thought that just over two months ago, they had been outer-cultivators pushed around by Zhou family cultivators?

Now, these disciples had completely shed their past experiences, thoroughly branded with the Yunshan Sect’s mark, and were proud of their identity as Yunshan disciples.

Sect Leader Lu was indeed extraordinary; nothing seemed impossible for him. Only someone like him could be regarded as a leader, naturally leading Yunshan Sect to further development and achievements.

In the future, he would need to closely follow Lu Qian’s lead, so the Zhou family could maintain its footing in the chaotic Chongming County, and one day, they could grow strong again.

After the banquet, the cultivators adjusted their breathing, dissipating the effects of the alcohol before gathering at Bichao Mountain Square. They would rehearse for the grand ceremony under Lu Qian’s command.

"Alliance Leader, you mentioned they would be greatly surprised. What exactly is your plan?" Sect Leader Zhao Xianzong of Spirit Snake Peak couldn’t resist asking.

Lu Qian pointed into the distance, and everyone followed his finger, their eyes widening in amazement.