https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-111-Sword-Dao-Insight-Unparalleled-Crazy-Competition-The-First-Divine-Son-of-the-Phoenix/12963689/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-112-Relying-on-the-Moonlit-Sect-Crisis-Approaches-Lin-Fan-Takes-Action-Part-2-/12963696/
Chapter 112: Relying on the Moonlit Sect, Crisis Approaches, Lin Fan Takes Action (Part 1)
Chapter 112: Relying on the Moonlit Sect, Crisis Approaches, Lin Fan Takes Action (Part 1)
"Speak!" Chen Qingquan's face was dark.
Jiang Wuyi gave him a cold, sidelong glance.
Both of us are family heads, on equal footing. Your tone is as if you’re commanding me like a subordinate.
Seeing his reaction, Chen Qingquan sighed, "Head of the Jiang Family, we’ve reached this point. I was just momentarily anxious."
"In the past two years, the cultivation speed of Liu Family cultivators below the Sixth Stage has been more than double, even triple, that of our two families!"
"Now, even the Sixth Stage cultivators’ strength has suddenly and noticeably increased. If this continues, our two families might truly lose the qualification to remain as one of the three major families in Hongwu Immortal City."
"At this point, why do you still care about these details?"
Jiang Wuyi frowned, then chuckled, "Yes, Head of the Chen Family, you are right. I was being overly meticulous. Xiao Chen, listen carefully."
"The fundamental reason is the Moonseizing Sect and Xiao Ling'er!"
"Xiao Ling'er..."
"It's her?!"
Chen Qingquan was particularly annoyed by the term "Xiao Chen," feeling as if he had eaten something foul, but since he had raised the issue, he had to endure it.
"Actually, we have uncovered some clues."
"I once sent people to try to contact the disciples of the Moonseizing Sect, but found they were extremely loyal. Even when we offered them astonishing conditions, they were unmoved!"
"At first, we thought the Moonseizing Sect forced them to take Dao Heart Vows."
"But in the end, it turned out that wasn’t the case. Therefore, there is only one possibility: the treatment by the Moonseizing Sect has reached an astonishing level, even for outer sect disciples!"
"From what it looks like, we have both underestimated this Xiao Ling'er."
"Her talent in alchemy is so great that even the term 'prodigy' is an understatement." Jiang Wuyi sighed deeply, "We have paid a considerable price to barely control a member of the Liu Family."
"From him, we obtained concrete information: the Moonseizing Sect, or more precisely, Xiao Ling'er, has been secretly providing high-quality cultivation pills to the Liu Family for the past two years!"
"Initially, the highest quality pills were only Fourth or Fifth Rank, but now, even Sixth Rank Life Understanding Pills are being provided, and at least Sixth Rank!"
"Because of this, the strength of the Liu Family has increased so rapidly."
Bang! Chen Qingquan slammed his hand on the table, enraged, "How long has this been going on?"
"If Xiao Ling'er can already refine Sixth Rank pills, if we give her a few more years, she might even be able to refine Harmony pills! This is unreasonable. Her talent is simply too outrageous!"
Jiang Wuyi: "..."
"Is this the time to discuss outrageousness? Xiao Chen, aren't you focusing on the wrong points?"
"..."
"We can't delay any longer!"
Another "Xiao Chen" nearly made Chen Qingquan burst with anger, but he managed to control himself and said, "Indeed, we can't continue like this. Otherwise, even if our two families aren't destroyed, we will gradually be suppressed until we have no chance to turn the tide!"
"The Liu Family must be destroyed."
"No, we must solve the problem at its root." Jiang Wuyi was even more ruthless, coldly saying, "The Liu Family must be destroyed, and the Moonseizing Sect must be eradicated!"
"Back then, although we were constrained by the power of the Spirit Sword Sect, we also didn't know about Xiao Ling'er's talent. Otherwise, even if it meant offending the Spirit Sword Sect, we would have had the Moonseizing Sect eradicated and Xiao Ling'er killed!"
"After all, this world is not just the Spirit Sword Sect."
"It just means we have to pay a price."
"Previously, we were unwilling to pay that price, and it wasn't necessary. But now..."
"It's no longer up to us!" Chen Qingquan continued, his face even colder.
"Speaking of which, are you ready to take that final step?"
"Are you not ready yet?" Jiang Wuyi countered.
"What about the target?"
"Have you chosen one?"
"One, indeed." Jiang Wuyi glanced at Chen Qingquan, "Did you expect it?"
"..."
"The Moonlit Sect?"
"Still, not too stupid." Jiang Wuyi nodded, "The Moonseizing Sect and the Moonlit Sect have old grudges. I’ve heard that the reason they haven't wiped out the Moonseizing Sect completely is that the Ten Thousand Flower Holy Land mediated?"
"Although I don't know the specifics, I don't believe the Moonlit Sect is willing."
"They certainly don't want to see the Moon seizing Sect rise again. The reason they haven't acted is due to the Ten Thousand Flower Holy Land's authority."
"Moreover, the Moonseizing Sect's previous state made it unnecessary for them to act."
"But now, the Moon seizing Sect has signs of revival, and its 'Qi yun' has been reignited. The Moon lit Sect will certainly not be indifferent."
"Still, they are hesitant to act..."
"But if our two families are willing to become their vassal forces, and they still don't need to act themselves, as long as they are willing to block the Spirit Sword Sect, our two families can act to destroy the Moon seizing Sect and the Liu Family. I think the moonlit sect would have no reason to refuse."
"After all, the great era has begun."
Jiang Wuyi sighed lightly, "Chaos is approaching."
"At the same time, it's also an opportunity to rise. Don't they want to be more stable? Or perhaps... don't they want to take a step further?!"
"Our two families can rival second-rate sects, and we are of medium standard."
"We are willing to become their vassal, which can also assist them!"
Chen Qingquan was surprised, "Are you saying the Moonlit Sect wants to take a step further, to become... a Holy Land?!"
"Who doesn't?"
"Does your Chen Family not want to become a first-rate force?"
"The reason there hasn't been action is just that the timing hasn't been right, and there hasn't been an opportunity. But if there is an opportunity, the Moonlit Sect will surely spare no effort."
"However, these are not what we should focus on. You only need to give me a response, yes or no!"
"If you agree, we should set out as soon as possible, personally visiting the Moonlit Sect."
"Once this matter is settled, after returning, we will do our utmost to destroy the Moonseizing Sect and the Liu Family, leaving nothing behind!"
Jiang Wuyi had made up his mind.
Even if they were to become vassals from then on, he was determined to take drastic action.
Chen Qingquan had initially been hesitant.
But thinking about the Liu Family's recent developments, his hesitation gradually turned into unease.
"Good!"
"I'll go back and make the necessary arrangements, and then you and I will head to the Moonlit Sect together!"
"..."
...
That night.
Chen Qingquan and Jiang Wuyi secretly set off, heading towards the Moonlit Sect.
After several days of travel, they finally arrived at the Moonlit Sect.
After stating their intentions, they spent several more days before finally meeting the current leader of the Moonlit Sect, the Sect Master, Ji Haoyue.
Ji Haoyue's appearance was not particularly remarkable, but her formidable strength made Jiang Wuyi and Chen Qingquan feel immense pressure.
Even though she didn't actively release her aura, her soft voice was enough to make them feel intimidated.
"I've heard that Daoist Jiang and Daoist Chen want to lead their respective families to join our sect and become our subordinate forces. Is this true?"
"Sect Master Ji, it is indeed true."
The two quickly stood up to respond and explained their intentions in detail. Then, they said, "The annual tribute will not be lacking in the slightest, and even in the short term, our two families won't need much protection from the sect."
"We just need..."
"...for the sect to block the Spirit Sword Sect when we destroy the Moonseizing Sect. Don't let them ruin our plans."
"And afterward, help us stop the Spirit Sword Sect from taking revenge."
"It's a small matter, all small matters."
Ji Haoyue, smiled slightly, "However, the Moonlit Sect is not a one-man show. This matter needs to be discussed with the other elders."
"How about we give you an answer here tomorrow at this time? Is that acceptable?"
"Of course."
...
Subsequently, Ji Haoyue gathered the elders within the sect for a discussion.
"Oh?"
"I am aware of the two major families in Hongwu Immortal City, but making an enemy of the Spirit Sword Sect for their sake may not be a worthwhile deal."
An elder hesitated.
"That's wrong!" Just as the words left his mouth, someone refuted, "If it were just the two families, it might not be worth it. But if we can take down the Moonseizing Sect, it won't be a loss."
"Indeed, the Moonseizing Sect and our sect are mortal enemies. If it weren't for the interference of the Ten Thousand Flower Holy Land, the Moonseizing Sect would have been destroyed long ago. Originally, there was no chance of revival for the Moonseizing Sect, but now there are signs of a resurgence from the ashes. We must be cautious!"
"A mere Xiao Ling'er can't possibly threaten us."
"Nonsense, don't you know what it means to uproot the weed and kill it?"
"In this golden era, anything is possible. How can we not take an unparalleled genius seriously?"
"..."
As the elders' debate intensified, Ji Haoyue remained calm and smiled, "Enough."
"Since there are differing opinions among the elders at the moment, how about we put it to a vote?"
"..."
...
The next day.
Jiang Wuyi and Chen Qingquan received news.
The Moonlit Sect...
Approved!
As long as the members of the two families voluntarily take the Heavenly Dao Oath and pay tribute, they can become subordinate forces of the Moonlit Sect.
They can also rest assured and proceed to destroy the Moonseizing Sect and the Liu Family.
As for the Spirit Sword Sect, the Moonlit Sect will handle it.
The two were overjoyed!
They immediately took the Dao Heart Oath and then requested the Moonlit Sect to send people to their respective families to supervise the oath-taking. The Moonlit Sect agreed but asked them to return and make preparations first, while their people would follow soon.
The two were taken aback and secretly smiled bitterly.
It was clear that they were being asked to return and make arrangements to welcome the 'superior sect' members.
But since they had come this far, there was no point in hesitating.
The two immediately set off on their return journey.
On the way back, Chen Qingquan suddenly asked, "We can temporarily put aside our concerns about the Spirit Sword Sect, but what about the City Lord? Who would dare to start a battle within the city?"
"What if the Liu Family doesn't leave the city? What should we do then?"
"Hmph, if they want to hide like cowards, can't our two families surround and attack them?" Jiang Wuyi coldly huffed, "If they don't come to the rescue, we'll destroy the Moonseizing Sect first!"
"After that, we'll deal with them gradually."
"Even without the Moonseizing Sect and Xiao Ling'er providing them with pills, what can the Liu Family do even if they don't lose a single person?"
"Moreover, do you really think they can stay holed up in the city forever?"
"Makes sense!"
"Then..."
"Let's do it!!!"
"Start preparing immediately!"
"..."
...
Soon, the Jiang and Chen families began their preparations.
With the highest standards, they welcomed the arrival of the superior sect's powerful cultivators.
Three inner sect elders from the Moonlit Sect arrived together, taking up residence in the two families' homes, as best they could the evidence of their recent battle.
The news spread like wildfire, causing an uproar.
Especially in Hongwu Immortal City, where it caused a huge stir.
The existence of the two major families in Hongwu Immortal City had been unwavering for so many years, although there had been ups and downs during this process, they had never truly 'fallen.'
The smaller families had changed countless times, but the Chen, Jiang, and Liu families had always been the dominant ones.
A three-way rivalry! In the eyes of many in Hongwu Immortal City, the three families were both friends and foes, and some even felt that after so many years, they had become 'friends.' But the sudden news caught almost everyone off guard.
"Is this news true?"
"Nonsense, the Moonlit Sect has already announced it to the world, how could it be false?"
"A few days ago, I saw the Chen family with colorful decorations and a joyous atmosphere, thinking someone was about to marry a peerless genius. I never expected it to be about joining the Moonlit Sect."
"There's something strange going on. The three major families have always been at odds with each other, each refusing to yield to the others. But now, why have these two families suddenly become 'sworn brothers'?"
"And the Liu family hasn't made a single move."
"Are they not including the Liu family in their plans?"
"Or perhaps... they're specifically targeting the Liu family?!"
Within the Immortal City, all were cultivators.
Even the ordinary residents had at least reached the first or second stages of cultivation.
Naturally, there were few fools among them.
As long as one used their brain, they could guess that there was something hidden beneath the surface, and it was definitely not as calm and carefree as it seemed.
Of course, all this was based on the premise that there was no 'Dumbing Down Halo' in effect.
If ordinary cultivators could think of these things, then the various powers and factions would naturally react even faster.
Many of the smaller families were so shocked that they trembled.
"This... this is too much..."
"What happened? Why are they working together, and why do they need the top-tier sect, the Moonlit Sect, as their backer?!"
"If they're feeling this threatened, then it's likely... at least a first-rate power, right?"
"It shouldn't have anything to do with us."
"At first glance, it seems unrelated to us, but if you think about it carefully, both families have never acted like this in tens of thousands of years. Why are they suddenly willing to become vassals? It must be because they're facing an unprecedented threat!"
"If they feel so threatened, what should we small families do?"
"If there's truly a threat, and we're not prepared in advance, then when the crisis arrives, we'll be swept away without any resistance. Our small families don't have the slightest power to fight back."
"Hiss!!!"
"Makes sense!"
"In that case, we should also make preparations early."
"Sigh!"
"..."
...
In the City Lord's Mansion.
Several powerful figures hurriedly arrived, seeking an audience with the City Lord, the Loose Immortal Hongwu.
"I already know about this matter."
Hongwu did not appear in person but spoke through divine sound, "The various powers will be reshuffled, and in this process, blood will flow like rivers, and corpses will litter the land."
"But... Heaven values the virtue of life."
"I, Hongwu, also do not wish to see corpses all over the city."
"Therefore, pass down the order: the ban on fighting within the city remains in effect. Even if they are from a Sacred Land, I will show no mercy!"
"Spread the word to those powers and comfort them."
"If you're still worried... you can join the Hongwu Immortal Alliance that I've established later."
"After joining the alliance, follow the alliance rules, and you'll receive the protection of the Immortal Alliance!"
"Go now."
"..."
The powerful figures were all startled, then respectfully retreated.
"City Lord, have you made preparations?"
"The Hongwu Immortal Alliance... I wonder what their intentions are."
"How could we guess the thoughts of the City Lord? Don't overthink it, just follow his orders."
"Of course. However, I'm quite excited! From the City Lord's attitude, it's not difficult to see that his strength has reached a terrifying level, even unafraid of Sacred Lands!"
"Our Hongwu Immortal City can't compare to Sacred Lands." A sensible powerful figure spoke softly, "But why should the City Lord fear them? He's a Loose Immortal, and..."
"He's probably at the fifth tribulation stage, right?"
"Even Sacred Lands wouldn't dare offend him so casually!"
Loose Immortals, although they failed to transcend the tribulation and enter the ninth stage of immortality, were still stronger than those at the eighth stage of breaking through the void. After that, every five hundred years, they would experience a tribulation.
A five-tribulation Loose Immortal was already comparable to a ninth-stage Great Power.
They possessed true 'Immortal Might'! And because they faced a tribulation every five hundred years, Loose Immortals were considered 'madmen'. If provoked, they would dare to fight against anyone.
What could Sacred Lands do?
If it wasn't necessary, no one would dare to offend such a powerful madman.
Although this thought was somewhat disrespectful, it was the truth.
Thinking of this, they all felt relieved.
Blood rivers and corpse-littered land?
We have the City Lord in our Hongwu Immortal City, and there's no need to worry within the city.
After all, over the years, they hadn't heard of any enemies of the City Lord. Without enemies, there's no need to worry within the city.
...
But the Immortal Path is unpredictable, and the Heavenly Dao is unkind.
Why did the City Lord establish the Immortal Alliance and offer protection?
Was it for fame?
They could only suppress these thoughts in their hearts.
...
The Liu Family.
The family head, Liu Wanli, remained calm.
But Liu Xun was in a state of panic.
"Father, say something, please!"
"Speak up!"
"You're the one who's shrinking!" Liu Wanli glared at his son, who seemed to be a disappointment. "Don't be hasty! What's the rush?"
"Even if there are countless crises, it hasn't even started yet. Why are you so flustered?"
"You're a cultivator too!"
He was helpless and speechless.
He even began to doubt if this son was truly his own.
(End of Chapter)
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