A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 164 - 134: Honored Guests Arrive

On December 20th, as the morning sun rose, the weather was clear. Bichao Mountain was adorned with ancient trees, each draped with red streamers. Red palace lanterns hung high along the winding forest paths, creating a festive and lively atmosphere amidst the remaining snow on the branches, surrounded by a blanket of silver.

At the mountain peak, a ten-zhang high banner fluttered in the wind, the three large characters "Yunshan Sect" trembling eagerly, desperately wanting to announce its presence to the world and make its voice heard.

All the elders and disciples of the Yunshan Sect were already in position early, busy with their assigned duties and tasks.

After checking that everything was in order within Yunshan, ensuring all operations were running smoothly, Lu Qian, accompanied by Jiang Qingfeng, Fairy Nishang, and others, awaited at the Guest Reception Pavilion in front of the mountain gate before seven o’clock. Zheng Duan and five other Inner Sect disciples stood quietly by their side.

Typically, a sect leader does not need to personally welcome guests at the entrance. However, today was a significant day for Yunshan Sect. Important guests were arriving—envoys from higher-level sects, Foundation Establishment elders from nearby sects, requiring undivided attention. Yunshan Sect, now like a cat and a few kittens, had no disciple even at late-stage Qi cultivation; sending anyone else would lack weight and risk disrespect, inviting disdain.

After some consideration, this lineup was arranged, not only stepping up personally, but also inviting even a prestigious figure like Fairy Nishang to join.

Such mundane matters naturally did not interest Fairy Nishang in the slightest. Lu Qian had to raise the flag of Master Chi Yu, half-coaxing, half-deceiving her, saying engaging with sect affairs would aid her personality adjustment and help breakthrough in cultivation. After much persuasion, Fairy Nishang was finally invited.

With dawn still early, it was uncertain which envoy would arrive first. Four groups of envoys were expected today, from the Xuanguang Sect, Spirit Talisman Sect, and the Northwest Two Sects. Considering distance alone, Spirit Talisman Sect was relatively closer, but if other sects started early due to long distances, they might arrive first.

How to receive each envoy, and what to do if they arrived simultaneously—these were scenarios Lu Qian had rehearsed several times in his mind. Yet now, as the time approached, it felt like a big exam was imminent, naturally bringing some nervousness.

In an effort to adjust his emotions, Lu Qian glanced to his sides.

Today, Jiang Qingfeng wore a lake blue long dress with wide sleeves and an elegant silhouette. Three varied-length green jade hairpins adorned her hair, giving an appearance of elegance, warmth, and charm. Amidst the fluttering streamers and swaying palace lanterns, Qingfeng sitting in the pavilion resembled a fairy descending to the mortal realm, with an ethereal, otherworldly beauty.

Noticing Lu Qian’s gaze, his senior sister smiled gently, her eyes filled with warm encouragement.

Meanwhile, Fairy Nishang wore her beloved "Flowing Cloud Immortal Robe," a dazzling mix of gold and red, radiating with splendor. Her high-ponytail swayed lightly, as if expressing her impatience. Amidst the light snow and silver frost, the beauty in gold and red stood tall and graceful, enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful, drawing attention irresistibly.

Seeing Lu Qian looking over, Fairy Nishang cast a cold glance: "What are you staring at? Watch your eyes!"

In the midst of beauty and scenery at such a marvelous moment, Lu Qian unexpectedly fell into a daze. An inexplicable impulse drove him to cheekily say, "How do you know I’m looking at you if you’re not looking at me?"

Jiang Qingfeng sucked in a breath of air sharply, Zheng Duan and the others blushed red, pinching their thighs hard to suppress their laughter.

Fairy Nishang was caught off guard, and Lu Qian himself froze, a chill rising from his tailbone.

In the next moment, Fairy Nishang widened her eyes, her fierce gaze filled with anger, her fists crackling with rage: "Are you itching for trouble?"

Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, a streak of Escape Light flashed across the sky, and someone called out loudly: "Grand Elder Zhuang Qing of the Spirit Talisman Sect is visiting with disciples to congratulate Yunshan’s establishment."

Lu Qian quickly stepped outside the pavilion, calling out, "Elder Zhuang’s personal visit is an honor for Yunshan Sect, please come in."

Fairy Nishang’s cold voice echoed from behind, "I’ll deal with you later."

Lu Qian let out a long sigh of relief, meanwhile finding the old face of Zhuang Qing, whom he’d clashed with just days ago, surprisingly pleasant.

Zhuang Qing, with four accompanying disciples, landed with a smile, stepping forward: "Sect Leader Lu personally waiting here, it’s my honor indeed. It’s quite a gathering, please forgive us."

He immediately sensed the overwhelming spiritual pressure from Fairy Nishang, alarmed by her fierce demeanor at a reception. Was this a show of strength?

Back then, Fairy Nishang showcased her prowess, single-handedly killing Shahe Gang’s second leader Feng Jun, severely injuring third leader Huangfu Zhuqing, slaughtering over thirty late-stage Qi cultivation elite disciples like a Golden Crow soaring invincible through the skies, instilling fear and awe.

His heart tightened slightly, his smile brightening: "Fairy Guh Ruons? Elder Zhuang here is just an old man; such grand reception at Yunshan is overwhelming. On returning, I will certainly report to Sect Leader that our sects should be as close as brothers after this."

These words carried many meanings—a probe into Yunshan’s elaborate arrangements, a caution and reminder that Spirit Talisman Sect and its Sect Leader stand behind, and a reaffirmation of the current harmonious relations between the two sects. Lu Qian couldn’t help but admire, thinking he’s indeed a seasoned old turtle!

Lu Qian immediately cupped his hands and said: "Spirit Talisman Sect is a close partner of Yunshan, naturally deserving such courtesy. Our Elder Guh is straightforward, decisive in actions; forgive any rudeness. Spirit Talisman Sect, long established in Chongming County, is our elder brother. Moving forward, Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance shall surely follow and develop together."

The first sentence addressed Zhuang Qing’s doubts, the second countered Zhuang Qing’s warning: even if you have someone behind you, you’re no match for our Fairy Nishang, don’t get any ideas. The third openly stated that if there are future disputes, Spirit Talisman Sect must act first, only then will Shuangye Alliance consider. Zhuang Qing couldn’t resist admiring, indeed he’s a cunning little fox!

Thus, the two became akin, their faces showing great harmony, completely masking that just a few days ago they were battling each other furiously, wishing to kill each other instantly.

Fairy Nishang slightly restrained herself, looking at the two with curiosity, finding their smiles immensely fake, hateful, and annoying.

Her gaze involuntarily drifted to Lu Qian’s restored arm, pondering why he remained cordial despite the formidable enemy presence. If it were her, she would have already smashed the old dog’s head.

Why must life be lived so suppressed? Does overcoming such suppression truly lead to breakthroughs?

Sigh, confusing, dizzying.

Zhuang Qing clapped his hands, a disciple stepped forward to present a Jade Scroll: "Today, on Yunshan’s establishment, I come with congratulations. Hearing Sect Leader Lu’s expertise in array formations, our sect once acquired a scroll of Eight Trigrams Lock Dragon Formation, but lacking array masters, it’s a hidden treasure wasted. Today, I present it to Sect Leader Lu — it’s a modest gift, please accept."