A Sect from a Spirit Vein

Chapter 75: Chapter 72: Meeting the Visitors

”You are quite punctual,” Jiang Qingfeng muttered to himself and immediately replied, ”Please wait a moment, I’ll go and report.”

Zheng Duan and his companions stood on the stone path leading to the mountain top, gazing at the swirling mist enveloping the entire peak, feeling a sense of surreal detachment.

Initially, the change wasn’t noticeable, but upon seeing the Mountain Protection Grand Array that appeared overnight, they finally realized Lotus Peak had indeed changed hands.

This mysterious Yunshan Sect and its Sect Leader Lu, what are they truly about? Why did the Zhou Family give Lotus Peak to Yunshan Sect? What is Yunshan Sect’s strength?

As foreign cultivators, they were always on the Zhou Family’s periphery, unable to access the core, resulting in a lack of information. Although they sought news in the last two days, they found less than what was discovered on the night Lotus Peak was relocated.

At that moment, Wuh Zilan suddenly exclaimed, her face turned pale, and she staggered. If it were not for Shen Shan’s timely support, she might have fallen to the ground.

Out of curiosity, she had used her Divine Sense to probe the mist. But upon contact, she felt the world swirling, her sense of direction and space inverted and spinning in her mind, causing dizziness and instability.

Hearing her description, Zheng Duan and Shen Shan exchanged a heavy glance.

Initially, Zheng Duan was excited at the prospect of seeing the Fairy Jiang again, following Jiang’s response. However, now, with the shocking realization, he calmed down. Was this Grand Array truly so formidable? The Six Harmonies Array of the Zhou Family was well-known to them; though its barrier was incredibly sturdy, surely a Divine Sense shouldn’t be unable to make contact?

This Yunshan Sect is indeed powerful; it seems we came to the right place.

Thus thinking, they became more cautious.

At that moment, the mist ahead wavered, revealing a path. A graceful woman emerged, respectfully bowing to the three, ”Fellow Daoists, please follow me.”

Zheng Duan and his companions hurriedly returned the salutation, ”Thank you, Fellow Daoist Jiang.”

The group passed through the Grand Array, which promptly sealed behind them, once again shrouding the mountain in mist.

Jiang Qingfeng led them through deserted dwellings and silent squares to the Council Hall. Although puzzled by Yunshan Sect’s desolation, they dared not be lax, being still awed by the Protection Array.

”Sect Leader, the three Zhou Family cultivators have arrived.”

”Please, invite them in.”

Upon hearing ’please,’ Jiang Qingfeng led them into the Council Hall. Seats lined both sides, with a dais at the head, where a handsome young cultivator sat.

Seeing the guests, the young man stood to greet them, smiling warmly.

Zheng Duan and his two companions quickly saluted, ”Zheng Duan, Fanx Shan, and Wuh Zilan, foreign cultivators of the Zhou Family, greet Sect Leader Lu.”

Lu Qian returned the salute and invited them to sit. Jiang Qingfeng served them tea before standing by Lu Qian’s side.

While drinking tea, the three surreptitiously observed Sect Leader Lu.

He appeared quite young, but with cultivators’ techniques for preserving youth, judging his true age was difficult. His stature was tall, features handsome, and his composed gaze full of heroic spirit, embodying a commanding presence.

His cultivation was indeed as rumored, still at Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation, yet they dared not show any disrespect. Despite varied rumors, Lotus Peak’s Grand Array alone indicates it is no ordinary Qi Cultivation Sect.

With gossip rampant, seeing the person in question added a layer of mystery. However, Sect Leader Lu’s slightly pallid complexion hinted at perhaps indulgence affecting vitality.

Glancing again at Jiang Qingfeng, standing elegantly behind Lu Qian, Zheng Duan felt a youthful heart silently shatter.

Amidst these idle thoughts, he heard Fanx Shan lightly cough beside him. Zheng Duan quickly composed himself, retrieving a jade box from his Storage Pouch, he stood and bowed, ”Sect Leader Lu, it is a privilege to meet you. This small gift represents our respect, and we hope you will accept it with grace.”

Lu Qian nodded, Jiang Qingfeng walked over gracefully, took the jade box from Zheng Duan, and handed it to Lu Qian. Lu Qian placed it on the table in front, without opening it, smiled, ”You are very kind, Fellow Daoists. What do you wish to discuss today?”

Zheng Duan and his companions felt a slight heaviness in their hearts. Lu Qian’s manner suggested he wasn’t a greedy person, which made their request potentially more challenging.

Nevertheless, since the conversation had begun, Zheng Duan pressed on, ”How could we presume to give advice? Sect Leader Lu, we visit today for two reasons: first, since Lotus Peak is now under Yunshan Sect, we are future neighbors, and our visit signifies goodwill, hoping to support each other in times of need. Secondly, we have a request...”

Lu Qian suddenly spoke, chuckling lightly, ”Is it about the Spirit Vein?”

Their expressions changed dramatically, not expecting Lu Qian to discern their intention so readily.

Lu Qian leisurely continued, ”As foreign cultivators, living midway up Lotus Peak, you’d naturally rely on its Spirit Vein for cultivation. However, upon my arrival, I noticed the Spirit Vein was encircled with an Array, nearly locking all Spiritual Qi within.”

”I imagine disputes occurred between you and the former residents of Lotus Peak. You worry that after the change in ownership, I might keep the Spiritual Qi locked, prompting your urgent visit. Am I correct?”

Zheng Duan stared at Lu Qian, a bitter smile forming after a while, ”Sect Leader Lu’s insight is exceptional; we are in awe.”

Unable to hold back, Wuh Zilan pleaded, ”Since Sect Leader Lu understands our purpose, please grant us some leniency. Unseal the Array, so we, foreign cultivators, can cultivate with the necessary Spiritual Qi. All forty of us will be deeply grateful for your kindness.”

Shen Shan earnestly nodded in agreement.

The room fell silent; Lu Qian scrutinized the trio without speaking. They anxiously watched him, hearts tense with uncertainty.

So, these three Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation representatives speak for forty foreign cultivators? My assumptions seem apt.

After a long moment, just as their anxiety mounted, Lu Qian finally spoke, ”Do you know that, in truth, the Zhou Family has already forsaken you, foreign cultivators?”

This statement landed like a bombshell, shocking them pale.

Zheng Duan could not help but rise and question loudly, ”Sect Leader Lu, why do you speak so?”

Lu Qian gestured for calm, ”A Spirit Vein is foundational for cultivators. Many of you joined the Zhou Family primarily for protection and access to the Spirit Vein for cultivation. Joining a cultivation clan with foreign identities means inevitable restrictions, but with a Spirit Vein, along with mutual support among foreign cultivators, there was some hope. However—”

He drew out his words, intensifying their worry, ”But when the Spirit Vein at Lotus Peak was suddenly sealed, your cultivation was impeded, yet your pleas went unanswered, and no one tended to you.”

If someone had resolved it then, they wouldn’t have rushed over right after Lotus Peak’s transfer. Even if I maintained the seal, as Zhou Family cultivators, they should have first reported it to the Zhou Family, rather than privately approaching me.

Clearly, their trust in the Zhou Family is severely shaken. This indicates the Zhou Family’s situation is messier than I anticipated.

However, this is also an opportunity for me.