Chapter 477: It's Hard to Say, We'll Have to See (5K)

Chapter 477: It's Hard to Say, We'll Have to See (5K)



"..."

Xuanqing sat cross-legged in the Ancestor Hall, quietly observing the area outside the Nanyang Sect with a hint of a smile on his face.

The so-called Celestial Talent, with the Primordial Purple Qi upon them.

On their path, there will be countless dangers and jealousy from petty people, but they will also never lack capable individuals to lend a hand.

It's not some vague, intangible luck.

When one's brilliance reaches a certain level, others won't be blind to it.

This Elder of the Clear Moon Sect, although restricted by his identity, couldn't directly protect Sect Leader Shen, but if he could reclaim the Yan family, then when the Southern Dragon Palace made its move again, they would have to reconsider.

Killing a Return Void Realm cultivator might be done silently, but involving the White Jade Capital in a fight would shake the entire Southern Flood.

It would be impossible to hide it from the Southern Flood's Seven Sons, and even pretending to be unaware would be out of the question.

By then, even if the six Fusion Realm masters were unwilling, they would have to think twice. Their young Sect Leader was being intercepted outside, and if the various powers of the Southern Flood ignored it, how could the Seven Sons continue to stand in the Southern Flood?

This was the significance of the White Jade Capital's protectors.

"There's no need to enter the Sect. When I have some free time in the future, I'll prepare a gift and pay a proper visit to the Nanyang Immortal Sect," Liu Shiqian politely declined.

"I'll just wait here for Sect Leader Shen to finish his business, and then we can depart together," Liu Shiqian said.

As a cultivator from the White Jade Capital, stepping into a temporarily unclaimed Converged Dao Sacred Land was too presumptuous.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.

Liu Shiqian didn't want to test his Dao heart with such a tempting offer.

"Then we'll wait for next time."

Shen Yi understood his concerns and didn't say more, nodding slightly, "We can set off now."

As he spoke, he activated the Nanyang Sect's formation and summoned the Black Light Flying Sword.

Liu Shiqian also summoned the Clear Moon Treasure Ship, and Liu Qianyun and Yan Wencheng boarded it, leading the way ahead.

The group headed straight into the clouds and mist.

...

For an Immortal Sect, the choice of where to place their vassals is quite strategic.

For example, the four major powers cultivated by the Nanyang Sect were positioned in the four corners of the east, south, west, and north. No matter where the water tribe invaded from, the Immortal Sect would have time to react.

The area east of the Nanyang Sect, where the Yan family resided, was called Cliff Edge Mountain.

The mountain range was treacherous and sparsely populated.

As the Clear Moon Treasure Ship emerged from the clouds, the mist on the entire Cliff Edge Mountain suddenly dispersed, revealing the many layered pavilions.

Facing the Clear Moon Immortal Sect that had been protecting them for tens of thousands of years.

The Yan family could be said to be extremely respectful.

Figures emerged from the pavilions, gathering in front of the Guest Reception Hall, and bowing towards the sky in unison, they momentarily overlooked the figure standing beside the Treasure Ship, with his foot on a flying sword.

"After all, it's been such a long time, please don't take offense."

Liu Shiqian retracted the Treasure Ship and quietly hovered behind Shen Yi.

"I understand."

Shen Yi didn't show any dissatisfaction.

Even if the Yan family had been supported by the Nanyang Sect in the past, for the past ten thousand years, it was the Clear Moon Sect that had been protecting them.

To put it bluntly, which is more important, the gratitude for raising them or the gratitude for giving birth to them? Moreover, the current Nanyang Sect was no longer the same group of cultivators as before.

Liu Shiqian's subtle action.

Obviously, it made the Yan family members below pause for a moment, and then they all focused their gaze on the young man in the Nanyang white robe.

Soon, a familiar face stepped forward.

It was Yan Xingyuan, whom they had met once before at the Water Moon Trading Alliance.

He clearly recognized Shen Yi and led the others in bowing, "We welcome Sect Leader Shen's arrival at the Yan family!"

The rest of the Yan family were unfamiliar with this title.

But out of respect for the Clear Moon Treasure Ship, they echoed in unison, at least not making any mistakes in etiquette.

As the four of them descended onto Cliff Edge Mountain.

Yan Xingyuan still came forward, "Sect Leader Shen, please come this way."

Then he quietly observed Liu Shiqian in his plain robe, his pupils slightly constricted, as if sensing the higher level of aura on the other party.

"You are... Elder Liu of the Clear Moon Sect?"

Before Liu Shiqian could respond, Yan Xingyuan hurriedly called out, "Quickly, go and invite the Clan Leader to meet them."

"..."

Shen Yi took a step forward, thinking that if it weren't for Elder Liu's arrival, he might not have been able to see the Yan family's Clan Leader.

Many things only become more apparent when you truly encounter such a powerful force.

His position as the Sect Leader was perhaps a bit too much, both within the Allied Sect and outside.

Liu Shiqian frowned slightly.

He sensed something amiss.

The White Jade Capital's Clan Leader of the Yan family wasn't arrogant by nature.

At the very least, he wouldn't embarrass Sect Leader Shen in public.

"Didn't you send a message to your family?" Liu Qianyun secretly glanced at Yan Wencheng beside her.

"I did..." Yan Wencheng also seemed puzzled, wondering if his letter praising Sect Leader Shen wasn't flattering enough.

With different thoughts in their minds, the group headed towards the grand hall on the peak of Cliff Edge Mountain.

The Yan family's elders were already lined up, respectfully waiting outside the hall.

However, their expressions were somewhat complex.

The eldest among them, an elderly man in plain robes with white hair and a restrained aura that made him seem no different from an ordinary person, stepped forward with his eyes lowered, "Yan Xianqing pays his respects to Elder Liu."

Then, he bowed to Shen Yi in the same manner, "Greetings, Sect Leader Shen."

"It's been a long time, Daoist Yan."

Liu Shiqian's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze turning slightly cold.

Logically, for a cultivator from the White Jade Capital to proactively bow to a Return Void Realm cultivator was already a great show of respect.

It didn't seem like a problem on the surface.

But the order in which he addressed them was reversed.

Liu Shiqian didn't believe that a cultivator who had ascended to the White Jade Capital would overlook such a crucial detail.

It had to be intentional.

Even in this simple greeting, there was a hint of a desire to return to the Clear Moon Sect.

"Please."

Yan Xianqing seemed to not have heard Liu Shiqian's reminder, and he respectfully stepped aside, leading the two into the grand hall.

As for the remaining two, they could only wait outside.

If it were any other place, Liu Qianyun could have used her status as the Clear Moon Sect Executive to assert her authority. But in the Yan family, things were different.

With a White Jade Capital Cultivator present, it was as if they had gained some influence in Southern Flood, no longer a simple vassal, but a hint of cooperation.

As for Yan Wencheng, he quickly walked over to Yan Xingyuan's side, furrowing his brows and squinting, trying to understand the situation.

It was only because Sect Leader Shen had a magnanimous temperament; if it were someone more arrogant, they would have already flipped the table and lost their temper due to the Yan family's ambiguous attitude.

Could it be that the clansmen misunderstood and thought that Elder Liu was here to show off to the Southern Yang Sect?

No, his letter had already stated everything clearly.

"The matter is somewhat complicated, and you are still young, so don't ask too much," Yan Xingyuan said, watching Shen Yi enter the hall before quietly reminding Yan Wencheng.

"Last time..." Yan Wencheng subconsciously retorted, remembering that Elder Xingyuan had a different attitude when they were outside the Water Moon Trading Alliance.

"Shut up," Yan Xingyuan withdrew his gaze, no longer explaining further.

...

Inside the grand hall.

A new chair was placed next to the main seat, and the two chairs were side by side. This peculiar arrangement clearly did not originate from a major power.

Shen Yi quietly took her seat.

Liu Shiqian stood in the hall, his expression unchanged, except for a hint of anger in his eyes.

"Please, Elder Liu."

Under the watchful eyes of the Yan family elders, Yan Xianqing extended his hand in invitation, a faint trace of anticipation appearing on his face.

Liu Shiqian glanced at him and then stepped to the side, taking a seat next to Shen Yi.

Upon seeing this, Yan Xianqing's expression froze for a moment, his anticipation turning into desolation. He quickly adjusted his emotions and also took his seat.

He looked at the two of them, "I wonder what instructions the Clear Moon Sect and the Nanyang Immortal Sect have for the Yan family today?"

Liu Shiqian slowly opened his mouth, his voice carrying a hint of indifference, unlike his previous politeness, "The Imperial Decree of the Southern Flood Seven Sons should have been delivered to the Yan family long ago. But I've heard that until today, you still haven't sent anyone to request an audience with the Southern Yang Sect."

"Since you hold your status so highly, and Sect Leader Shen is not very familiar with Southern Flood, then I, Liu, can only come to guide you and witness your might."

Among those present, only the youth in the main seat was below the Return to Void Perfection Realm. Everyone else was an expert, and they could clearly sense the subtle reprimand in Elder Liu's words.

"I, Yan Xianqing, dare not show off in front of the Immortal Sect, nor have I ever had such thoughts."

Yan Xianqing stood up again and bowed to the two of them.

"Is that so?"

Liu Shiqian smiled and then suddenly spoke sternly, "I thought that Cliff Edge Mountain was about to become a Converged Dao Site, and the next time I see you, I'll have to address you as Senior."

If Liu Qianyun were here, she would realize that for her strict father to say such words, he must be at his wit's end.

"..."

Shen Yi observed with a thoughtful expression. It seemed that even within the White Jade Capital, the gap between them was quite significant.

After all, even with the backing of an Immortal Sect, they were still fellow cultivators of the same realm. Speaking of status alone, it shouldn't make this Yan family elder so humble that he would be scolded without daring to retort.

Otherwise, wouldn't the status of their sect leader be even higher?

There was probably also a reason for this.

"I..."

Yan Xianqing opened his mouth, then suddenly glanced at Shen Yi before looking away and lowering his head, "Elder Liu, I understand my mistake."

Upon hearing these words, the Yan family members in the hall all felt a sense of frustration, wanting to explain but unable to find the words.

But due to Elder Liu's authority, they could only shift their gazes elsewhere.

"I wonder what instructions Sect Leader Shen has today."

Yan Xianqing seemed to have resigned himself to his fate and looked at Shen Yi again.

Only then did everyone turn their attention back to the young man in the main seat. In fact, they already had a good understanding of this Sect Leader Shen.

Not long ago, a latecomer from the clan had sent a message, and Yan Xingyuan had personally witnessed the young man's astonishing Heavenly Palace, which was just as rumored. He had even personally slain a Sea-crossing General comparable to the Eighth Layer of Returning to Emptiness.

With such strength, he shouldn't be unknown in all of Southern Flood.

But... the Yan family was simply too powerful.

What they needed was not a so-called Celestial Talent, but the protection of a truly powerful sect.

The young man had incredible talent, but for now, his shoulders were too thin to bear the burden of the Yan family.

"It's not exactly an instruction."

Shen Yi shook her head lightly and lifted her eyes, "But I have a suggestion."

"Please, Sect Leader, I am all ears," Yan Xianqing said as he stepped into the hall, standing straight.

This made the scene slightly comical.

A dignified White Jade Capital Cultivator, who had probably experienced more in his life than this young man would in ten lifetimes.

Yet this young cultivator was about to boldly offer him a suggestion.

"I suggest we speak plainly, as we're all quite busy."

Shen Yi straightened her body slightly and looked around the hall.

From the moment they entered the Yan family, these people had put on this attitude. Even if she didn't care about these things, she didn't have the time to play guessing games with them.

Whatever they wanted to say, they should just say it.

Yes or no, that's all.

If they left the Yan family, there were other options.

Upon hearing this, Yan Xianqing was taken aback, then he reexamined the young man before falling silent for a long time. Suddenly, he smiled and said, "You're quite talkative. Will it be of any use to you?"

Crack.

Liu Shiqian's palm rested on the armrest of his chair, and the spot he gripped instantly turned to dust.

His gaze was cold as he stared at Yan Xianqing.

The formidable aura of the White Jade Capital quietly enveloped the entire hall, causing everyone present to feel their breathing slightly stifled.

…

Shen Yi's expression froze, and she glanced at Elder Liu.

…

Liu Shiqian quickly retracted his aura from Shen Yi.

He had almost forgotten that there was also a Mid-Return to Void Realm cultivator present.

"Phew."

Yan Xianqing exhaled, his previous two questions were already considered extremely disrespectful.

He turned around and walked towards the hall's exit, "Sect Leader Shen, Elder Liu, over these years, the Yan family has never lacked in offerings from the Southern Hong Seven Sons, and we have never disobeyed any decree from the Immortal Sect. Every time, we have done our best to complete the tasks to perfection."

"My Yan family's loyalty over these many tens of thousands of years is evident to the heavens. In guarding this land for the Immortal Sect, countless disciples have perished."

"Why... why did they decide to abandon us so easily?"

Yan Xianqing's bitter words seemed to echo the sentiments of all the Yan family members present.

For a moment, they all began to retreat towards the hall's exit, then extended their hands to indicate a direction.

Their intention was very clear.

If you truly wish to know what happened, dare you take a step forward?

"Sect Leader Shen?"

Liu Shiqian stood up and looked towards the main seat.

It was obvious that the Yan family had encountered a difficult situation, one that even the White Jade Capital cultivators found challenging.

Perhaps bringing Shen Yi here so hastily was a bit hasty; they should have inquired about the situation beforehand.

"Let's take a look first."

Shen Yi stood up and followed.

"This..."

Liu Shiqian was stunned for a moment, then shook his head helplessly.

This was not something that could be casually observed.

If he were to witness it and do nothing, it would be better to leave now; at least, he wouldn't face such embarrassment on the surface.

It seemed that Shen Yi didn't care much about the nominal position of Sect Leader, and despite her youth, she seemed more open-minded than those old foxes.

...

Outside Cliff Edge Mountain, thick clouds piled up, creating an intimidating sight.

Only those with exceptionally keen eyesight could penetrate the clouds and see the scene below.

There was a jade-like lake bay.

Various arrays were layered upon each other, forming an unimaginably complex formation.

The purpose of all this was to manipulate spiritual energy and achieve communication with heaven and earth.

Besides guarding against demons and monsters, the greatest responsibility of these vassal forces was to open up new Converged Dao Sites.

Of course, this was a challenging task that, despite the immense effort, might ultimately go up in flames.

However, no matter what, the array, which had been built over generations with countless resources, provided tangible benefits for cultivation.

This should have been Yan Xianqing's position.

But at this moment, it was occupied by another figure.

"After the decree of the Southern Hong Seven Sons was issued, it came."

Yan Xianqing calmly stared at the scene below, a strong sense of self-mockery on his lips, "If I say that I, Yan Xianqing, don't care about this, it would definitely be a lie. But aside from this selfish desire of mine, I really want to ask..."

"Exhausting my Yan family's strength to support a Dragon Progeny."

"So, is the Yan family a vassal of the Southern Hong Seven Sons or the Southern Dragon Palace?"

He slowly turned around and looked at Liu Shiqian, "Actually, you should know the answer. As things stand, no matter how stubborn the Yan family is, we are practically stepping onto the Dragon Palace's boat."

"Regardless of the internal considerations of the Southern Hong Seven Sons, can they provide the Yan family with another way to survive?"

At this point, Yan Xianqing bowed to Liu Shiqian once more, "Please, Elder Liu and Sect Leader Shen, on behalf of the Clear Moon Sect, negotiate with the Dragon Palace. We guarantee that as long as the Southern Yang Sect deems the time is right, we will wholeheartedly support the Southern Yang Sect for eternity."

The 'right time' referred to when the Southern Yang Sect truly possessed the strength of an Immortal Sect, not just an empty title.

...

Liu Shiqian suddenly fell silent.

He had never considered that among the 182 families returned to the Southern Yang Sect, the one that suffered the most was one of the four major powers.

If his guess was correct, the Dragon Palace was well-informed about the internal affairs of the Southern Hong Seven Sons.

They had long seen through the differing intentions of the Seven Sons.

That was why they were so brazenly seizing the vassal forces without any pretense.

Yan Xianqing wasn't acting on impulse; on the contrary, he had considered the situation more clearly than anyone else.

The solution offered by the Dragon Palace was probably the only way to keep the Yan family under the Southern Hong Seven Sons.

But...

It couldn't be done.

Liu Shiqian sighed.

The Clear Moon Sect wasn't his personal possession.

To protect a White Jade Capital force and negotiate with the Dragon Palace, the entire sect would have to get involved.

But in this world, there were few acts of selflessness without expecting anything in return.

If the Clear Moon Sect took on the task and then allowed the Yan family to continue supporting the Southern Yang Sect, that was impossible.

Unless the Yan family returned to the Clear Moon Sect.

But if they set this precedent for the Yan family, what about the remaining hundred-plus families, each with their own difficulties?

That would just return to the previous situation.

The Southern Yang Sect would once again become a hollow shell with no control over the Southern Flood and Land, and on top of that, it would become a laughingstock throughout the Southern Flood.

"Give Sect Leader Shen some time."

Liu Shiqian closed his eyes. With Shen Yi's unparalleled talent, she would surely reclaim the Yan family.

"How long will it take?"

Yan Xianqing's face turned grim. In the grand scheme of the sects, vassal forces like theirs were always mere pawns.

The numerous Yan family members also looked dejected.

"It's hard to say, we'll have to see."

Shen Yi calmly observed the situation below, then slowly walked through the crowd. In full view of everyone, she transformed into a purple and white rainbow and streaked into the clouds below!

"Ah?"

Liu Shiqian quickly opened his eyes, a rare look of astonishment on his face.

That wasn't what he meant!

The Yan family members were all standing there, dumbfounded.

Confront the Dragon Progeny?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end