Chapter 266: Conspiracy (For the Sky-Traveling Righteous Alliance Leader He)
Chapter 266: Conspiracy (For the Sky-Traveling Righteous Alliance Leader He)
Mu Family Ancestral Hall.
The family head, Mu Wanlv, the Core Formation Elder Mu Wanqing, Mu Wandao, Mu Qingfeng, and several False Core Formation Overseers were all present.
In recent years, the Mu family had been on a downward spiral, with no new Core Formation cultivators appearing.
On the contrary, they had even lost several False Core Formation cultivators.
At this moment, Mu Wanlv, wearing a golden robe, sat in the main seat with a stern and dignified expression.
However, between his brows, there was a hint of worry.
Only after becoming the family head did he realize that this position was like sitting on a volcano, with internal conflicts and external pressures coming one after another...
Even with Mu Wanlv's self-proclaimed cleverness, he was still overwhelmed by all the problems.
'If it were a rising family, the benefits gained would be enough to appease the dissatisfaction within the family... But now, the family is on a decline... Fortunately, Mu Wanlong has completely retreated, and by sacrificing the interests of his faction, he can barely maintain the family's superficial harmony, but this won't last long...'
Mu Wanlv glanced around and asked, "Has Elder Wanlong been invited for the family meeting?"
The previous family head had automatically assumed the position of family elder after stepping down.
"I've already sent a sound transmitter."
Mu Wanqing replied.
He also found it strange that Mu Wanlong's soul lamp had been flickering like a candle in the wind these past few years, yet he still hadn't died and continued to occupy the Fourth Stage Cave Mansion.
That was the cave with the best spiritual energy on Hundred Flowers Mountain! Could it be... that he intended to occupy it until his death?
However, the other party had previously acted with integrity, voluntarily giving up a large portion of his interests and even cutting off his own arm to kill the half-immortal.
No one in the Mu family dared to say anything more.
On the contrary, if he dared to reach for more, he would surely be stabbed in the back, after all, this was a family, not a gang! Even in gangs, they would at least pay lip service to morality.
"Ahem..."
Not long after, an elderly-looking Mu Wanlong, with white hair and a frequent cough, entered the ancestral hall, saying, "Sigh... It's a time of trouble, and yet I, an old man, am still being disturbed..."
"Please take your seat, Elder."
Mu Wanlv stood up to show respect to Fang Xing.
This was a smart man who knew that the family head position came from Fang Xing's legitimate authority.
Therefore, to secure his position, at the very least, he had to maintain a superficial display of filial piety, which was the key to maintaining the family's unity.
"Hmm."
Fang Xing trembled as he sat down and listened to Mu Wanqing speak, explaining some of the recent troubles the Mu family had encountered: "It seems that the Crane Sect is determined to have a never-ending feud with our family... The Crane Sect's Supreme Elder, Crane Master, has now broken through to the late Core Formation stage, which is quite concerning..."
"A mere late Core Formation cultivator shouldn't be a reason for us to discuss this matter so seriously..."
Mu Wanlv said, "According to the family's latest intelligence, both the Dao and Demon Sides are planning... a grand frontier expansion!"
"A grand frontier expansion?"
Fang Xing blinked and immediately thought of the years he spent in the frontier lands, then his expression became slightly dazed: "It's only been a few years since the war ended, and they're planning another frontier war?"
"We should be focusing on recuperation and recovery, but that damn 'Wind Master'... He's hoarded four Divine Infancy Fruits for himself and killed numerous Golden Core cultivators from the Demon Path. The Righteous Path has also lost the Primordial Spirit, and the key issue is that we can't even gather the main ingredients for the Core Formation Pill."
Mu Wanlv mentioned Fang Xing without any hint of respect.
"Aren't there still two Divine Infancy Fruits left?"
Fang Xing blinked his eyes.
"One of those Divine Infancy Fruits was obtained by the Daoist Freedom Marquis of the Demon Path, and its whereabouts are unknown. It's likely being used to form a core in a secret location. As for that body cultivator, there's no news of him either."
Mu Wandao explained, "The high-level cultivators from both the Righteous and Demon Paths have searched all over the cultivation world but couldn't find them... As for the Wind Master, multiple sources have confirmed that he's an outsider cultivator, and he's already left Dajiang."
"Damn it!"
A hint of hatred flashed across Fang Xing's face: "That imposter Wind Master, I won't let him off so easily!"
"Sigh, how can we, in our current state, seek revenge on a Primordial Spirit True Monarch?" Mu Wanlv sighed: "Even if those Meng sisters and Madam Die Rui are still alive and well..."
"Why?" Fang Xing's expression turned sinister.
"Sigh, it's a case of shooting a rat in a jar. A few early Core Formation female cultivators don't have much to offer... But if we provoke the Primordial Spirit's retaliation, it won't end well."
Mu Wanqing said, "Moreover... it's said that a Primordial Spirit from the Demon Path used the Heart Inquiry Technique on those women... The result confirmed that the real Wind Master is already dead, and we don't even know the true appearance of that Primordial Spirit... Those women were just played with, and it's quite unjust."
Fang Xing coldly humphed, but his heart stirred.
‘As expected… I, who have nothing to lose, am still quite intimidating to a Primordial Spirit True Monarch, even one from the demon path. They dare not use the soul-searching technique, which can severely damage the divine soul, and instead use the Heart Inquiry Technique… This clearly shows their attitude.’
‘The more they do this, the more I must stay hidden… A missile is most intimidating when it hasn’t been launched yet.’
"Alright, let’s get back to the main topic… This time, the Dao and Demon Sides are jointly opening up the Grand Frontier Expansion, each choosing a major direction. Our Mu Family, of course, will follow the righteous path and will likely be placed under the jurisdiction of the Heaven-Earth Sect. For this expansion, our Mu Family must send at least three Core Formation True Men. This is the will of the higher sect…"
Mu Wanlv spoke.
"After the great battle between the Dao and Demon Sides, instead of resting, they chose to open up the frontier, and both sides agreed… Could it be that…"
Fang Xing stroked his beard, his eyes lighting up.
"What are you thinking, Brother Wanlong?"
Mu Wandao’s eyes also brightened.
"According to rumors, the formula for the Core Formation Pill has been revised multiple times, and one version can use the essence of a Fourth Rank Transforming Beast King to replace the Divine Infancy Fruit… However, such a Core Formation Pill is slightly less effective and has a lower success rate."
Fang Xing continued, "Both the Dao and Demon Sides need to cultivate Primordial Spirit Seeds. They are preparing to wage war against the Transforming Beast Kings in the Grand Frontier Expansion. This time, they will likely need to kill several Transforming Beast Kings to meet their needs. However, the Grand Frontier is extremely dangerous, with active Fourth Rank Medium and even Fourth Rank Superior Transforming Beast Kings… There are even rumors of Fifth Rank Ancient Wasteland Beasts sleeping in the depths of the Grand Frontier."
"The expansion is indeed extremely dangerous, but when our ancestors crossed the sea and opened up numerous cultivation worlds, it’s said that even a Spirit Transformation Respected Elder from the Vast Sea Cultivation World came forward and made an agreement with the Grand Frontier’s ruler… Spirit Transformation and higher existences will not take action against lower-rank cultivators."
Mu Wanlv smiled, "Moreover, the area we occupy, even including the soon-to-be-opened territory, is just a drop in the ocean of the Grand Frontier. It’s impossible to disturb a Spirit Transformation Respected Elder…"
"Even so, encountering even a random Fourth Rank beast would be enough to crush us to pieces…"
Fang Xing shook his head, "Even if we risk our lives, can we expect a Core Formation Pill as a reward? This is a losing proposition… Using our blood and that of the wandering cultivators to satisfy the higher sect’s appetite."
Upon hearing this, the faces of the Core Formation True Men present turned grim.
While the rewards for such an expansion are generous, the Mu Family is already a Core Formation lineage. It would be foolish for the Heaven-Earth Sect to support the Mu Family. At most, they will grant a Third Stage Spirit Land and a Golden Core Pill for this expedition; nothing more.
Even if the battle merits are insufficient, they might not even get a Core Formation Spirit Treasure!
"Even so, we cannot disobey the higher sect’s orders…"
Mu Wanqing looked worried, "What if… we follow the old rules?"
By "old rules," he meant sending a group of elderly, weak, and injured cultivators, and even temporarily recruiting wandering cultivators to fill the ranks.
"Cough, cough…"
At this moment, Fang Xing began to cough violently, "I am severely injured and fear I will die on the way if I go out again… I am afraid I can no longer serve the family."
Elderly, weak, and injured?
Isn’t he talking about 'Mu Wanlong'?
If it were the real Mu Wanlong, he might actually risk his life for the family and die in the expansion.
But Fang Xing isn’t that foolish.
He still needs to continue his cultivation and hopes to break through to the Core Formation Mid-stage within the next ten years!
‘Old scoundrel! Using his age as an excuse!’
Mu Wanqing cursed inwardly, but if Mu Wanlong really didn’t care about his reputation, there wasn’t much he could do.
He couldn’t force the former Patriarch to go to his death, right?
When someone has no shame, they are truly invincible.
"Since that’s the case, please stay behind, Brother Wanlong and Brother Wanqing. I will lead this expedition myself, with Brother Wandao and Brother Qingfeng accompanying me."
Mu Wanlv looked at Fang Xing. Although he was somewhat disappointed, Mu Wanlong’s fear of death was a significant blow to his prestige, which was beneficial to him.
Moreover, since the other party had already backed off and considering their past favors, he decided to tolerate this once.
However, Mu Wanlv still took precautions, sending away Mu Wandao, who was close to Mu Wanlong, and the neutral Mu Qingfeng, leaving only Mu Wanqing, who was on his side, to keep an eye on the situation.
Mu Wanlong was still in the Early Core Formation stage, clearly struggling to recover from his injuries.
Mu Wanqing, however, had profound magical power and would have no trouble dealing with an injured Mu Wanlong.
"Thank you. I am currently refining a batch of Healing Spirit Pills and need to check the fire. With Wanqing in charge of the family, I am at ease.
Fang Xing cupped his hands and transformed into a stream of light, bidding farewell without further ado.
After the Core Formation cultivators in the ancestral hall had all left, only Mu Wanlv and Mu Wanqing remained.
"Mu Wanlong has truly changed... If it were before, he would have left without a word."
Mu Wanqing was puzzled.
"It's only natural. The older one gets, the more afraid of death they become. There are countless ancient seniors in the cultivation world who, when facing the end of their lifespan, would do anything to prolong their lives, whether it's dual cultivation, practicing demonic arts, or transforming their bloodline. We possess the power to move mountains and fill seas, and even before the True Core disperses, we can maintain our vitality and live without ailments. Who would want to die?"
Mu Wanlv remained calm, accepting the reality that people constantly change.
What else could it be?
Could it be that this Mu Wanlong is fake?
If he were, his bloodline would have been exposed the moment he entered the ancestral hall.
The Mu family, being a Nascent Soul clan, has its ways of distinguishing its bloodline.
"Please rest assured, Patriarch. During this period, I will keep a close eye on that old fellow!"
Mu Wanqing assured.
"Wanlong has already abdicated his position as Patriarch, and his faction has been severely weakened. As long as we spread the word about today's discussion, he will be branded as a coward. Such a Mu Wanlong poses no threat to us. Wanqing, you must look at the bigger picture. Our true opponents are the wolves outside. With the current state of Mu Wanlong, we might even be able to win him over."
Mu Wanlv spoke with a heavy tone.
Mu Wanqing showed no concern, and it was unclear if he had listened.
...
Several days later.
In a desolate mountain range.
The wilderness was serene, occasionally interrupted by the calls of birds.
A thin layer of mist appeared, enveloping the mid-mountain area.
Soon, a ray of azure light flew over and descended into the mist.
On a massive blue rock at the mountain's waist, a person appeared out of thin air.
He wore a pure white crane cloak, with a youthful face and white hair. Two long white eyebrows hung down, and a red mole adorned his forehead, giving him an air of immortal elegance.
Standing with his hands behind his back, he was accompanied by a white crane. The crane's topknot was red, and its feathers resembled swords. It stood in the stream, using its long beak to playfully stab at fish.
As the azure light descended, a cultivator emerged, enveloped in the light. He bowed, "Greetings, Crane Master!"
"Hehe, if you can abandon the darkness and embrace the light... You will have great merit in my Crane Sect. I guarantee that your lineage will not be affected, and you will receive endless blessings from the Dao."
The Crane Master twirled his white eyebrows and chuckled, "I can first sign a Third Stage Spirit Contract with you..."
"Thank you, Master."
The figure in the azure light bowed and then raised his hand.
A ball of azure light enveloped a jade slip, which fell into the Crane Master's hand.
"Good, good! It's indeed the formation diagram of the Ten Thousand Flowers and Thousand Illusions Array! Hmm? It also has the travel dates and routes of Mu Wanlv's group?"
The Crane Master looked at the figure in the azure light in surprise.
"Either do it thoroughly or not at all... Master, you don't plan to ambush Mu Wanlv and the others?"
The figure spoke as if it were obvious.
"This... I do intend to take action, but they are, after all, your relatives. Such an act still makes me uneasy..."
The Crane Master sighed.
"In a large family, there are many unsavory things. Please forgive me, Master. I have no issues with this. As long as you can kill Mu Wanlv and then attack the Ten Thousand Flowers and Thousand Illusions Array, with our inside and outside cooperation, sealing this array won't be a problem. By then, the Mu family will be left with only a bunch of worthless people."
The figure in the azure light turned to the unusual spirit crane playing in the water beside him, "Congratulations, Master. This spirit beast has probably reached the Third Rank Superior level, right? No wonder you dared to target a Fourth Rank Spirit Vein. However, we still need the approval of the Heaven-Earth Sect."
Yunzhou falls under the jurisdiction of the Heaven-Earth Sect, and such a major matter naturally couldn't be overlooked.
Otherwise, the anger of a Nascent Soul sect was not something any Core Formation cultivator could withstand.
"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. My direct great-granddaughter is a concubine to the Heaven-Earth Sect's Five Elements Son. I personally visited the Heaven-Earth Sect's leader, and though I sacrificed my old bones, the leader tacitly approved. After all, I have two Late-stage Core Formation cultivators here, which would greatly benefit the frontier expansion. As for the Mu family, what do they have left?"
The Crane Master smiled.
"It seems... the Mu family will eventually be destroyed."
The figure in the azure light spoke indifferently, showing no emotion.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
