Chương 70: Chapter 71: The Gathering of Sects

"It matters not," Bai Sha said, waving a dismissive hand. His gaze drifted toward the retinue of the Earth Spirit Sect before he cupped his hands toward Xuan Wuqing.

"Fellow Daoist Xuan Wuqing, it has been far too long. I see your cultivation has reached yet another breakthrough. Truly, a cause for celebration." Though his words offered congratulations, Bai Sha's expression remained a mask of gloom. His voice was as frigid as a winter gale, devoid of even a shred of genuine warmth. He looked less like a guest at a celebration and more like a specter haunting a graveyard. Xuan Wuqing, however, showed no signs of taking offense.

He returned the salute with a practiced, effortless smile.

"By my count, it has been twenty years since our last meeting. Fellow Daoist Bai Sha, you remain as formidable as ever. Your aura suggests your own cultivation has progressed significantly since then." Bai Sha merely let out a cold grunt, offering no further pleasantries. Xuan Wuqing didn't seem to mind, stroking his beard as he chuckled.

"Since fate has brought us together at the gates, why not enter as one? It would be a fine opportunity for us to exchange insights on our respective paths today."

"Very well," Bai Sha replied after a moment of cold calculation. He gave a stiff nod of agreement. Just as the two were about to lead their disciples inward, they both froze. Their heads snapped upward simultaneously, their gazes as sharp as lightning bolts as they pierced the northern horizon.

"Heh, it seems more friends have arrived," Xuan Wuqing remarked, his eyes flickering with a subtle light.

"Perhaps we should wait a moment longer. We can all head to the guest quarters together after a brief reunion." Bai Sha remained expressionless and silent, but he did not move to leave, which was as good as a silent agreement. Within moments, three massive black shadows loomed over the horizon, rolling forward like storm clouds. They were three gargantuan toads—one towering over the other two. Their skin was a mottled, sickly blackish-green, encrusted with a carpet of pulsating pustules.

Each pustule was several feet wide, oozing fluids of scarlet, orange, yellow, and green. It was a grotesque display of concentrated toxicity that made the air itself feel heavy. Rows of cultivators sat cross-legged atop these venomous mounds. Standing at the very front of the largest toad's head were three elders—triplets born of the same womb. They rose in unison, their expressions masks of practiced humility.

"Xuan Wending of the Qingyan Sect, leading the disciples..."

"... brings greetings to Senior Xuan Wuqing..."

"... and greetings to Senior Bai Sha." The three brothers spoke in their characteristic manner, each finishing a fragment of the sentence as if they shared a single mind.

"There is no need for such formality, Fellow Daoists," Xuan Wuqing said, though his brow furrowed slightly. His Divine Sense had already swept over the group long before they landed.

"However, I find it curious—why has Sect Master Tiandaozi not graced us with his presence personally?" Although the Xuan triplets were powerful—each having reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment—and could hold their own against a Golden Core expert by combining their synchronized cultivation, they were still not the Sect Master. For a momentous occasion like Dan Chenzi's Golden Core Ascension Ceremony, their presence alone felt like a slight.

The Qingyan Sect and the Xuanxiao Sect had never been on good terms, especially with their centennial Sect War looming. Was this absence a sign of submission, or something more sinister? Xuan Wuqing pondered this inwardly, while Bai Sha remained an unreadable statue beside him. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

"The Sect Master is currently in secluded cultivation."

"He is unable to attend in person."

"He specifically commanded the three of us to convey his deepest apologies to Senior Dan Chenzi." The triplets offered their concise explanation.

"I see. If he is in seclusion, I am certain both Sect Master Qingxiaozi and Fellow Daoist Dan Chenzi will understand," Xuan Wuqing said, his voice smooth but laden with hidden meaning.

"Since you have arrived, come with us to the guest quarters. Our sects rarely have the chance to interact; we should take this opportunity to grow closer." While the Earth Spirit Sect and the Earth Fiend Sect generally maintained decent relations with the Xuanxiao Sect, the sudden emergence of two Golden Core experts within the Xuanxiao Sect had shifted the balance of power drastically.

To prevent the Xuanxiao Sect from becoming the undisputed tyrant of the North Yue State, the other sects had no choice but to stand together in a fragile, defensive alliance. Bai Sha's eyes flickered with a strange light, and he gave a curt nod. The Xuan triplets shared a look of relief and joy before bowing in unison. Led by several Foundation Establishment deacons from the Xuanxiao Sect, the nearly one hundred cultivators from the three major sects marched toward the guest region in a grand, imposing procession.

Once the guests were out of sight, Mo Yu's face clouded with unease. He barked a few quick orders to his subordinates and hurried away with several other Foundation Establishment cultivators. With the major sects of North Yue State already accounted for, the remaining smaller groups could be handled by the junior disciples. In a secluded secret chamber deep within the back mountains of the Xuanxiao Sect, Mo Yu stood with his head bowed, his posture radiating utmost respect.

He recounted every detail of the encounter at the Ascension Terrace.

"Sect Master, Martial Uncle Dan Chenzi, we must remain vigilant," Mo Yu said, his voice low.

"If those three sects truly form a coalition, it could prove disadvantageous for us." Beneath his humble exterior, a spark of jealousy flickered in Mo Yu's eyes. Previously, Dan Chenzi was merely a peer, respected only for his alchemical skill. But now, Dan Chenzi had ascended to the exalted Golden Core realm, while Mo Yu remained stuck at the peak of Foundation Establishment. The gap in their status was now an unbridgeable chasm.

"Junior Brother, what is your take on this?" The Sect Master of the Xuanxiao Sect, an energetic old man who appeared to be in his seventies, spoke with a calm authority. This was Qingxiaozi, a master at the peak of the mid-stage Golden Core realm. Having reached four hundred years of age and seeing no hope for Nascent Soul formation, he had dedicated his life to the sect's expansion. He turned his gaze toward Dan Chenzi, who sat cross-legged on a nearby prayer mat.

Since his breakthrough, Dan Chenzi looked decades younger; his white hair had turned lustrous black, making him look like a man in his prime.

"Our sect now possesses two Golden Core masters," Dan Chenzi replied coolly.

"Our strength far exceeds theirs. The benefits we are owed will not be diminished by a single grain. Their posturing is merely a desperate attempt to show they still have a voice. There is no need to pay them any mind."

"Haha, well said, Junior Brother," Qingxiaozi laughed, waving a hand dismissively.

"In the cultivation world, strength is the only truth. Since we are stronger, we naturally deserve more resources. Xuan Wuqing and Bai Sha are old foxes; they understand this reality well." However, his smile faded slightly.

"Still, Tiandaozi's absence is strange. Given his cautious nature, he wouldn't make such a social blunder. Could there be something we are missing?"

"It is indeed peculiar," Dan Chenzi admitted, a trace of doubt crossing his face.

"But tomorrow is the ceremony. Even if they have some scheme, with the two of us presiding, they won't be able to stir up much trouble."

"Indeed," Qingxiaozi agreed, his expression clearing.

"Mo Yu, you may leave. Do not interfere with the three sects; let them do as they wish."

"Yes, Sect Master," Mo Yu replied, bowing low. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Sect Master... it has been six months since my grandson, Mo Bucheng, was murdered. Have there been any new leads?" At the mention of the name, Mo Yu's heart ached with a sharp, stinging pain. During a rare trip to the mortal world, he had discovered a descendant of his bloodline who possessed a spiritual root of decent quality. Overjoyed, he had brought the boy to the sect and mentored him personally. The boy had been talented, reaching the 7th level of Qi Condensation in just three years.

Mo Yu had intended to make the boy his true heir, but six months ago, the restriction he had placed within the boy's body was shattered, and the Soul-Soul Jade Slip he left behind had crumbled into dust.