https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-430-Fellow-Cultivators-You-re-Too-Late/12550288/
Chapter 431: A Visible Rise in Status
Chapter 431: A Visible Rise in Status
Just as Qu Yichen and the others were about to enter the Nine Lotus Sect's protective formation, they saw Chu Ning returning and decided to wait for him outside.
Chu Ning flew back to the sect, and when he was three hundred miles away, he noticed Qu Yichen and the others waiting for him. He knew that the reinforcements from the Cloudsoar Alliance had arrived.
He didn't mind that they were a little late, after all, it would take Fu Jing'an a few days to travel from Sky Pavilion to Cloudsoar City to deliver the message.
The fact that they had arrived as soon as they got the news showed their commitment.
If it weren't for the Yellow Wind Banner and other treasures, Chu Ning would have probably taken even longer.
Moreover, the Alliance had sent two Mid Nascent Soul cultivators, which showed how much importance they attached to this matter.
Chu Ning transformed into a graceful crane and landed in front of the sect, bowing to the Nascent Soul cultivators.
"Friends Qu, Gu, and Xiao..."
Gu Yuexian took the lead in replying, her eyes filled with curiosity as she sized Chu Ning up. "Chu fellow cultivator, we heard that you went after a Mid Nascent Soul Demon cultivator. May I ask what the outcome was?"
"That Demon cultivator was from the Blood Moon Teachings, surnamed Ma, and he has been killed by me," Chu Ning replied casually.
Upon hearing this, Qu Yichen was surprised. "It was actually Old Demon Ma from the Blood Moon Teachings. I didn't expect the Demon Path Alliance to send him ahead."
Qu Yichen's gaze towards Chu Ning became astonished as he continued, "I fought that Old Demon Ma back when I was still at the Golden Core stage. His cultivation was indeed formidable. He advanced to the early and mid Nascent Soul stages earlier than I did. Furthermore, the Blood Moon Teachings possess a Blood Slaughter Secret Art that can temporarily enhance a cultivator's battle prowess by several folds. Unless it's the Alliance Master or the two Yu brothers from the Taihe Court joining hands, it would be difficult for anyone in the Alliance to guarantee a victory against him. Even Wu Changdong would only have a fifty-fifty chance against him. I didn't expect you, Chu fellow cultivator, to be able to kill him by yourself. Your cultivation and abilities have truly left me in awe."
If it weren't for Chu Ning's previous display of killing several Nascent Soul cultivators, everyone would have found it hard to believe.
But with Qu Yichen's explanation, the Nascent Soul cultivators present now had a clearer understanding of Chu Ning's strength.
Within the sect, aside from Qin Changkong, a Late Nascent Soul cultivator, and the Yu brothers from Taihe Court, who were skilled in fighting together, Chu Ning seemed to be the next in line in terms of combat power.
This revelation left everyone stunned.
If it weren't for Qu Yichen's reputation and standing, no one would have believed it.
But when they saw that Gu Yuexian didn't refute it, they knew that Qu Yichen wasn't exaggerating.
The cultivators outside the sect, including those from the Nine Lotus Sect who had witnessed Chu Ning's previous battle, were all astonished.
After all, aside from Yu Changge, the others didn't have a complete understanding of the power of Nascent Soul cultivators.
And during Chu Ning's previous battle, he had continuously used ancient treasures.
Now, hearing that Chu Ning's strength placed him in such a high position within the Cloudsoar Alliance, everyone's faces were filled with delight and surprise.
Chu Ning modestly replied to Qu Yichen, "Friend Qu, you flatter me. I was only able to defeat Old Demon Ma because my treasures and abilities happened to counter his demonic arts. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to kill him even when he used the Blood Moon Secret Art. Moreover, I was also severely injured by him, and it took me two days to recover, which is why I'm returning so late."
"You're injured, Chu Ning!" Upon hearing that Chu Ning was hurt, Cen Ziyu didn't care about the Nascent Soul cultivators' conversation anymore and immediately stepped forward from the group of Golden Core cultivators behind them.
"I'm fine now. After taking some pills and resting, I've recovered," Chu Ning gently held Cen Ziyu's hand and reassured her.
Looking at Cen Ziyu's still pale face, his eyes couldn't help but show a hint of tenderness.
Yu Changge spoke up, "Since Chu Ning and Elder Cen are injured, let's continue our discussion inside the sect."
Everyone agreed, and they all entered the Nine Lotus Sect's mountain gate.
Even though the cultivators from the Great Roaming Sect and the Demon Path Alliance had been killed, the Nine Lotus Sect's protective formation was still fully activated.
As the Nascent Soul cultivators entered, they couldn't help but take a closer look at it.
With their discernment, they could tell that the formation was not yet operating at its full potential.
While it could defend against Nascent Soul cultivators, it would be difficult to withstand continuous attacks from a large number of cultivators.
Yu Changge took this opportunity to briefly explain what had happened earlier with the Great Roaming Sect and the Demon Path Alliance's collusion.
Yu Changge didn't go into too much detail, so Cen Ziyu used spiritual transmission to inform Chu Ning of the events that had transpired that day.
Chu Ning learned that Tang Xuan had exhausted his Nascent Soul power to protect everyone from entering the sect and to save Cen Ziyu. As a result, he was not only severely injured but also had almost completely depleted his lifespan.
Chu Ning fell silent, his eyes flashing with a cold light.
He asked directly, "Where's Sect Master Tang?"
Hearing Chu Ning's question, a hint of sadness passed over Yu Changge's face. "Tang Xuan wanted to prepare for his sitting and passing. However, because he was worried about his junior disciples, he has been waiting in the discussion hall."
"Tang fellow cultivator is going to pass away?" Qu Yichen was surprised to hear this.
Among the eight cultivators who had come, the Heaven Sound Pavilion had the closest relationship with the Nine Lotus Sect due to their historical ties.
Tang Xuan was well-acquainted with many cultivators in the Heaven Sound Pavilion, including Qu Yichen.
Upon hearing that Tang Xuan was about to pass away, he was naturally shocked.
"Tang fellow cultivator's lifespan was already insufficient, and now with his severe injuries..." Yu Changge's words made the situation clear to everyone.
The group quickened their pace and flew towards the discussion hall.
As he saw everyone enter, his gaze fell directly on Chu Ning.
He stood up and laughed heartily, "Chu Ning, you're back! It's good to see you safe and sound!"
"Senior Brother Tang!" Chu Ning quickly walked forward, looking at Tang Xuan, whose aura had weakened considerably at this moment.
Concern filled his eyes, and he took out a bottle of pills from his storage bag.
"Senior Brother, this bottle of Great Heavenly Yuan Dan is extremely effective for healing. Take it first to aid your recovery."
Tang Xuan smiled and shook his head.
"There's no need to waste such precious pills, brother. My lifespan is almost at its end, and I'm relieved to have been able to protect the sect with my remaining strength.
Especially now that I see your incredible cultivation and abilities, Brother Chu, it fills my old heart with joy and comfort!! Haha!"
After saying this, Tang Xuan turned his gaze to Qu Yichen and the others.
"Fellow Daoists, thank you for coming from afar to support our sect. I, Tang Xuan, was unable to greet you properly due to my limited capabilities. I hope you will not take offense."
Qu Yichen and the others immediately returned the greeting with respect.
Tang Xuan then cupped his hands towards everyone and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoists, I will leave the discussion of matters to Fellow Daoist Yu, Chu Ning, and all of you. As for me, I am of no further use and have nothing more to say.
I shall return to my cave abode to cultivate and recuperate for a few days."
As he spoke, Tang Xuan started to walk out, a relaxed smile hanging on his face from start to finish.
It seemed that after seeing Chu Ning's safe return, he was completely at ease.
The sect's Golden Core cultivators immediately surrounded Tang Xuan and escorted him away.
Only the First Elder, Gong Yuyuan, and the Second Elder, Yuan Zhuo, were asked to stay by Yu Changge.
Seeing Tang Xuan's demeanor, the Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall couldn't help but reveal complex expressions.
Chu Ning watched as Tang Xuan walked out of the hall with a slightly bent back. Only when his figure disappeared from view did Chu Ning's face turn cold as he took out a black jade bottle from his storage bag.
"Fellow Daoists, within this bottle is the Nascent Soul of Sang Pingnan from the Great Luo Sect.
I don't know how the Alliance plans to deal with the Great Luo Sect, nor do I know if there's anything else you wish to understand.
I intend to use the Soul Search technique on him to find out the Great Luo Sect's true intentions."
Hearing this, the cultivators who had rushed over from Cloudsoar City looked at Qu Yichen.
Obviously, the decision on this matter rested with him.
Qu Yichen maintained a solemn expression and said to Chu Ning and Yu Changge, "When I left Cloudsoar City, Du Xianming of the Great Luo Sect had already been restrained.
The Alliance Master and the fellow Daoists discussed that if the Great Luo Sect colludes with the Demon Path Alliance and dares to act against the interests of the Alliance's sects, they will not be tolerated.
However, due to a lack of solid evidence at that time, we did not take any action against Du Xianming.
Now that Sang Pingnan's Nascent Soul has been captured and sealed by Fellow Daoist, we should indeed use the Soul Refining technique."
As he spoke, Qu Yichen pointed to Gu Yuexian.
"Fellow Daoist Gu has a secret technique that allows two people to simultaneously use the Soul Refining technique for a soul search. Why don't we let Fellow Daoist Gu and Chu Ning perform it together, so that she can also bear witness to the process.
Not only will we understand the Great Luo Sect's purpose in invading the Nine Lotus Sect, but we will also uncover the extent of their collusion with the Demon Path Alliance.
We can also find out if any of their ordinary disciples were involved.
What do you think, Fellow Daoist Chu?"
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning frowned slightly.
In normal circumstances, he wouldn't have refused such a proposal.
However, the matter mentioned by the Blood Moon Sect's Ma Laomo gave him some hesitation at this moment.
After all, he wasn't sure if the soul search would reveal any secrets about the Nine Lotus Sect.
Seeing Chu Ning's expression, Qu Yichen's heart sank, and he turned his gaze to Yu Changge.
In fact, Qu Yichen's suggestion wasn't because he didn't trust Chu Ning but rather because he was considering the Nine Lotus Sect's perspective.
Given the longstanding discord between the Nine Lotus Sect and the Great Luo Sect, especially with the latter colluding with the Demon Path Alliance to invade the former, the two sects had reached a point of no return.
With Chu Ning's Soul Search technique, he would undoubtedly gain a clearer understanding of the situation. If the entire Great Luo Sect was found to be colluding with the Demon Path Alliance, the Cloudsoar Alliance would surely agree to eradicate them.
Moreover, with Gu Yuexian's involvement in the soul search, regardless of the outcome, it would be less likely to cause criticism.
However, Chu Ning was young and exceptionally talented, so he might also be a little proud.
Qu Yichen was worried that his suggestion might be misunderstood by Chu Ning, so he turned to Yu Changge, intending to explain.
He believed that with Yu Changge's experience as the sect master for many years, he would be able to see the situation clearly.
However, before Qu Yichen could speak, Chu Ning took the initiative and said:
"Fellow Daoist Qu, I need to discuss this matter with the Sect Master and Senior Brother Tang before giving you an answer."
As he spoke, Chu Ning put the black jade bottle back into his storage bag.
Hearing Chu Ning's response, Qu Yichen immediately stopped himself from explaining and smiled, "Of course, Fellow Daoist Chu, please feel free."
The Nascent Soul cultivator from Heaven Sound Pavilion was very polite, and it was obvious that Chu Ning's displayed strength had something to do with it.
At this moment, Chu Ning stood up and called out to Yu Changge, intending to leave the hall and ask about the matter mentioned by Ma Laomo.
Gong Yuyuan and Yuan Zhuo exchanged glances, a hint of a smile in their eyes.
Even though Chu Ning had left, none of the Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall showed any signs of displeasure.
As the two elders of the Nine Lotus Sect, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy that was difficult to hide.
After thousands of years, the Nine Lotus Sect's status within the Cloudsoar Alliance had finally changed.
If the situation had been different, they would have burst out laughing.
(End of Chapter)
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