A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 169 - 139: Sect Founding Ceremony

Zhuang Qing’s face changed abruptly, and it wasn’t over yet. He then heard Han Wen turn to Kong Pengfei and Qin Zhiyi, saying, "You two might as well report back to your masters. Considering the terrain of our Shahe Gang’s territory, how much can you get by sharing it with the Spirit Talisman Sect? Why not change your perspective and join us in annihilating the Spirit Talisman Sect, then split their land and wealth, which would be far more profitable."

Earlier, the dialogue was filled with hidden maneuvers and secret games. Unexpectedly, at this moment, Han Wen directly revealed his true intentions, catching everyone off guard. Even Lu Qian was slightly stunned.

The lands downstream of the Lingsha River aren’t particularly prosperous, with a population of around forty thousand. If they could incite the Shuangye Alliance to attack the Spirit Talisman Sect, the Shahe Gang would more than double their gains from the Spirit Talisman Sect, making this deal very worthwhile.

For the two Northwest sects, what the Shahe Gang says isn’t entirely unreasonable. The Shahe Gang’s lands stretch in a narrow, meandering strip along the Lingsha River, and even if they were truly wiped out, the two sects wouldn’t gain much land, as the Spirit Talisman Sect would seize the prime regions.

However, if they share the lands and wealth of the Spirit Talisman Sect, that’s a different story. The Shouzhuo Sect and Shahe Gang mainly split the land and population of the Spirit Talisman Sect, while the Kong Family Castle, despite not bordering the Spirit Talisman Sect, can claim a significant amount of wealth.

Lu Qian came to his senses, once again moved.

Han Wen indeed shows himself to be the most cunning and wise among the Foundation Establishment cultivators he has encountered!

Alone, he speaks with sharp rhetoric, stirring the winds and clouds, disrupting the direction and alignment of the entire Chongming County Foundation Establishment sects in an instant.

Haven’t you noticed how Kong Pengfei and Qin Zhiyi’s expressions have changed?

The most remarkable thing is, whether or not his promises are fulfilled, whether the Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance agree to his demands or not, the Spirit Talisman Sect has already had seeds of doubt deeply planted within, fearing that the Yunshan Sect might suddenly be tempted to betray them, thus not daring to entrust their backs to them.

Without deploying a single soldier, without expending even half a spirit stone, he has caused confusion among everyone, affecting the next strategic layout. Truly formidable!

Zhuang Qing took a deep breath, knowing that if he didn’t counteract, the situation would tilt extremely negatively for the Spirit Talisman Sect: "Everyone, how can we choose to ally with a treacherous person? Han Wen, being sly and unpredictable, and the Shahe Gang being greedy beyond measure, known only for their demands—this is universally known! What he says is entirely untrustworthy. If you truly conspire with the Shahe Gang, it’s akin to negotiating with a tiger, not gaining any benefits and likely losing your investments too!"

As he spoke, he turned to Lu Qian, "Sect Leader Lu, the Spirit Talisman Sect is sincere in allying with the Yunshan Sect. Shahe Gang’s empty promises are nothing, while the Spirit Talisman Sect offers real support, and investments in Shuangye Square are already prepared, with more benefits to come. I sincerely hope you won’t be swayed by minor gains."

Han Wen chuckled coldly, just about to speak when a Yunshan Sect disciple entered, bowing in greeting, "Sect Leader, honored guests, the auspicious time has arrived!"

Only then did everyone regain their senses, recalling the original purpose of their visit. Lu Qian smiled and said, "Today is the grand ceremony of the Yunshan Sect’s establishment; let’s not discuss anything else. As mentioned earlier, since we are all guests, let’s not be so confrontational. Honored guests, please join me in exiting the hall and witnessing the might of our Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance young men, shall we?"

Everyone nodded, suppressing their inner thoughts for the moment, eager to see precisely how the strength of the Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance truly measures up, as it significantly impacts their future strategies.

Coming along earlier, the Yunshan Sect disciples were mostly at the Early-Stage Qi Cultivation, with a few at the Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation, an inconceivable scenario. Now, with this opportunity, it was imperative to take a clear look.

Thus, everyone followed behind Lu Qian and Guh Niqiang, filing out toward the square at Bichao Mountain.

In fact, the ceremony of founding a sect isn’t overly complicated, comprised of just two components. The first is to pay homage to heaven and earth, which involves slaughtering a sacrificial bull, reciting a eulogy, burning wood and burying blood, and erecting a monument for commemoration. The second is to pay homage to founders and offer an Imperial Decree.

What’s open for public viewing is the first part, and after the viewing ends, they take their seats to rest, waiting for the banquet to begin. Paying homage to the ancestors of the Yunshan Sect is an internal ceremony exclusively for Yunshan Sect members without participation from outsiders.

At this time on the square at Bichao Mountain, a square altar had already been erected, with an incense table and sacrificial offerings prepared. Below the altar, a group of disciples formed an orderly formation, with Jiang Qingfeng and Master Xuan Ji standing at the forefront.

Upon seeing Lu Qian arrive, Jiang Qingfeng bowed and reported, "Sect Leader, the auspicious time has arrived, and everything is ready. Please ascend the altar, Sect Leader."

The envoys quickly turned to look at the scene, trying to discern the cultivation of the Yunshan Sect disciples, only to be taken aback.

The formation of eighty was barely considered elite, with twenty to thirty at Late-Stage Qi Cultivation.

However, how is it that their clothing varies, and upon counting closely, there are representatives from six sects, but not a single Yunshan disciple among them?

Lu Qian and Guh Niqiang reached the front of the formation, where a black-faced man stepped out, bowing and reporting loudly, "Reporting to the Alliance Leader, the disciples from Yuqing Zhou Family, Spirit Snake Peak, Wuwang Temple, and Zhuquan Sect of the Shuangye Alliance present themselves, respectfully awaiting the Alliance Leader’s orders!"

An elderly cultivator with a long beard knelt down, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, the disciples from Qingli Mountain and Liuhua Valley present themselves, ready for the Sect Leader’s instructions!"

Lu Qian waved his hand, "Wait for my command."

The eighty cultivators responded in unison, their voices reverberating through the valleys.

These were actually cultivators from the vassals of the Shuangye Alliance and Yunshan Sect, which explains their assembly here. All the envoys realized this but were immediately confronted with yet another larger concern.

Where had the Yunshan disciples gone?

Lu Qian didn’t have time to address their confusion. He received the Golden Strategy Jade Scroll from Jiang Qingfeng, slowly ascended the altar, and stood facing east. With a swish, he unfurled the jade scroll and, under the clear brilliance, loudly read out the inscriptions on the scroll.

During this process, Guh Niqiang waited beneath the altar, thoroughly bored. This Fairy Nishang was unaware that during this period, she had been coaxed by Lu Qian into performing many tasks completely unrelated to the duties of an Honored Guest Elder, so much so that all the sects present for the ceremony assumed Guh Niqiang was the actual Elder of the Yunshan Sect.

In the midst of the envoys’ profound curiosity, Lu Qian finally finished reciting the lengthy and ornate text of the scroll.

"...Heaven and Earth, bear witness together that today the Yunshan Sect establishes its foundation here, flourishing prosperously for a thousand ages, unfaltering in continuity, and immortal in doctrine!"

Just as Lu Qian spoke the last word, the bells tolled nine times, resounding across the universe. Heaven and earth bore witness, Yunshan Sect’s establishment!

In the next instant, a piercing cry echoed throughout Bichao Mountain, as Guh Niqiang’s entire body was engulfed in a vortex of raging flames, casting her spiritual pressure brilliantly outward, causing Kong Pengfei, Qin Zhiyi, and others to turn ashen, while Zhuang Qing and Han Wen felt a deep apprehension.

With a raise of her hand, a three-legged Golden Crow, variegated in gold and red, with a wingspan spanning several meters, burst forth from the fiery whirlpool, soaring into the sky and then exploding into a blazing inferno that swept across the heavens.

All the envoys widened their eyes in disbelief.

In the dazzling flames, a massive shadow broke through the blaze, soaring through the wind!

Flags blocked the sun, featuring graceful curves, and extended a full fifteen meters from head to tail, casting a massive shadow over everyone’s heads. The eighty spiritual power cannons glimmering with light, with their dark barrels, inspired great fear.

Void-Soaring and Distant-Guarding Divine Ship!