A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 167 - 137: Unexpected Visitor

Although a sense of disdain flickered in my heart, given that the two main envoys were elites within the sect, the necessary etiquette should naturally not be lacking. Upon seeing Lu Qian, these two cultivators, appearing youthful, bowed with respect.

"I am Kong Pengfei from Kong Family Castle, here on behalf of my father to offer congratulations, wishing Yunshan Sect prosperity and blessings for generations to come."

This was the son of the Patriarch of Kong Family Castle, Kong Xingrong, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Having cultivated for less than twenty years, he had already reached the realm of Qi Cultivation Perfection, deserving to be called a youthful talent. Although Kong Xingrong had five sons and eight daughters, only Kong Pengfei was blessed with a Spiritual Root.

"So it is the young heir of the Kong Family, famed in the Northwest. Upon meeting today, indeed you are a young hero, like father, like son." Lu Qian returned the courtesy with a smile.

"I am Qin Zhiyi from the Shouzhuo Sect, here to see Sect Leader Lu, conveying Master’s congratulations on the establishment of Yun Mountain."

This was the second disciple of Tang Gongcheng, Sect Leader of the Shouzhuo Sect and a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. His cultivation was slightly behind Kong Pengfei, but he had been in the tenth layer of Qi Cultivation for quite some time and with another year or so of refining, he could enter the realm of Qi Cultivation Perfection.

"Elder Tang holds a highly esteemed reputation, deeply respected by me, though unfortunately, I have never had the chance to visit. To meet his excellent disciple today is greatly comforting. Please, come in."

Lu Qian’s remarks were exceedingly fitting, and Kong Pengfei and Qin Zhiyi exchanged glances, each showing a slight smile, secretly noting that although Lu Qian’s cultivation was not impressive, his speech indeed carried the demeanor of a sect leader.

The two envoys followed Lu Qian, entering the main hall, where indeed along the path, not even a single Late-Stage Qi Cultivator was present, as even Sect Leader Lu’s attendant disciples were Mid-Stage Qi Cultivators.

Originally, Kong and Qin both harbored feelings of contempt, yet seeing such a peculiar scene turned their feelings to suspicion.

How could it be, with this kind of strength, they might not even surpass Qi Cultivation Minor Sects, so how could Yunshan Sect possibly establish itself on this Bichao Mountain?

There must be something amiss here!

The two main envoys were ushered into the grand ceremony, while the other members of their envoy group joined Spirit Talisman Sect disciples in resting at a side hall.

As Kong and Qin entered the hall, they were startled to see Zhuang Qing and Ning Songzhi already seated there.

The Northwest Two Sects had crossed paths with the Spirit Talisman Sect numerous times before and were more than familiar with this Grand Elder. His cultivation was not to be underestimated; although publicly known as Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, his variety of methods were extremely difficult to deal with. Numerous disciples from both sects had fallen at his hands.

At that moment, upon suddenly seeing this individual among their old battlefield enemies, terror surged in their hearts, and Kong Pengfei’s pupils dilated, hairs standing on end. Qin Zhiyicame close to turning and fleeing, but Lu Qian’s timely greeting brought them back to their senses, forcing them to stand firm in place.

Zhuang Qing, however, nodded with a smile: "Nephews, have you been well?"

Anyone unaware of the situation might assume he was a close elder to Kong and Qin.

Recalling their seniors’ instructions, knowing the Spirit Talisman Sect’s relationship with their own sect was shifting and that they hadn’t participated in the last conflict together with Shahe Gang, both men bowed awkwardly, offering a dry greeting.

They also wondered in their hearts why the Spirit Talisman Sect had sent Zhuang Qing to offer congratulations to Yunshan Sect—clearly, the two sects were entwined.

As for Ning Songzhi, the two had seen him before when serving their senior, but had never interacted with him personally. After all, Ning Songzhi represented a Golden Core Major Sect, and only those at Foundation Establishment within the sect could converse with him.

Therefore, Lu Qian made introductions between the parties, and Kong and Qin both bowed respectfully to greet the Upper Sect Envoy, while Ning Songzhi merely nodded indifferently, leaving the two dare not show any disrespect.

Then, turning to Lu Qian with a bright smile, Ning Songzhi said: "Sect Leader Lu, it seems all the guests have arrived? With virtually all the Foundation Establishment Sects from Chongming County gathered for Yunshan’s establishment, Sect Leader Lu’s significance is quite notable. Let me drink a few extra cups with you at the feast later, do not feel distressed."

Kong and Qin were nearly bulging their eyes out in astonishment. How could Lu Qian, a Late-Stage Qi Cultivation not even measuring up to them, earn such esteem from Envoy Ning?

There’s something fishy, there must be something fishy!

As the guests gathered, yet with some time remaining until the auspicious moment, Lu Qian went into the main hall to socialize with various envoys. As per etiquette, Yunshan’s elders ought to entertain within the hall. Yet, for various reasons, they had gone about their duties, leaving Lu Qian to handle this alone for now. Guh Niqiang had just thrown a slight tantrum as she loathed hosting guests, and Lu Qian didn’t dare provoke her any further, thus he refrained from inviting her.

This notwithstanding, he alone sufficed. The four envoy groups present, not well-acquainted with each other, had differing statuses, particularly the grievances between the Northwest Two Sects and Spirit Talisman Sect. Yet under Lu Qian’s guidance, topics flowed one after another, and the atmosphere grew lively.

No envoy group felt neglected. They couldn’t help but quietly commend Lu Qian’s ability to adapt and mediate gracefully, showing maturity and commanding presence deserving of leadership respect.

Yet still, how exactly was the strength of this Yunshan Sect constituted?

Just as the conversations grew engaging, a disciple rushed in hastily and reported urgently: "Sect Leader, another group has come to offer congratulations."

At this remark, everyone in the main hall was puzzled—who else could it be? All eyes turned to Lu Qian, whose expression was of genuine surprise, unfeigned.

The disciple continued: "The one leading claims to be the Gang Leader of Shahe Gang, Han Wen."

Kong Pengfei and Qin Shouyi abruptly stood, Han Wen?! Zhuang Qing squinted his eyes, while Ning Songzhi kept his easygoing smile.

Various thoughts raced through Lu Qian’s mind like lightning; he stated gravely: "Honored guests, there’s no need for concern. The Shahe Gang was indeed not invited by me. But today marks Yunshan’s founding ceremony, and whoever comes is a guest. I kindly ask you to remain seated while I go examine this matter."

Leaving instructions for disciples to continue attending to envoys, Lu Qian exited the main hall, directing Guh Niqiang to be called on his way out, before hastening to the mountain gate.

As he reached the archway, a familiar and intense atmosphere surged forward, whereupon Guh Niqiang stood beside Lu Qian. His heart calmed considerably, and with a nod, the two advanced past the Array, arriving at the Guest Reception Pavilion, where they spotted a hefty figure seated and the two disciples attending behind.

Upon seeing Lu Qian, Han Wen immediately rose, his bulk jiggling as his eyes narrowed into slits: "Ah, Sect Leader Lu, I came uninvited, hopeful you will not take offense."

Lu Qian replied coldly: "Gang Leader Han truly possesses boldness, coming here alone, do you not fear I’ll apprehend you on the spot?"

No sooner had the words left his lips, an overwhelming spiritual pressure ensued, enveloping Guh Niqiang in a blaze, as rolling heat waves surged outward. Multicolored lights shimmered from Lu Qian’s clasp, ready to activate the Grand Array at any moment.

Raising his hands quickly, Han Wen protested: "Sect Leader Lu, I indeed came to celebrate Yunshan Sect’s founding. Is this truly Yunshan’s hospitality?"

Lu Qian sneered, "For friends, we offer fine wine; for wolves, we show blades and spears. Against an enemy like you, why speak of hospitality?"

Han Wen laughed heartily, beckoning with a hand for his disciple to present a jade box: "Despite the past when Spirit Talisman Sect conspired with us in ambushes, haven’t they now become sect guests? Foes and friends, they always shift and change, what’s strange about that? Sect Leader Lu, won’t you first take a look at the gift I bring?"