Chapter 560: Reunion of the Two South Hong Sect Masters

Chapter 560: Reunion of the Two South Hong Sect Masters

"He's in the Moving Mountain Sect."

The cold and elegant woman in the white shirt slowly put away her badge and turned back. "I'll take you there first."

Lin Yu and the other five Daoists of Nanhong gathered together, accompanied by Yunhe Sect Master Lu Changchun and several elders of Bai Yujing.

Ji Jingxi slightly flicked her sleeves and disappeared with the group.

When they reappeared, a majestic pillar stood before them.

She raised her eyes, a hint of curiosity shining in them.

Of course, Ji Jingxi knew how hard the Daoists had worked on their respective missions and that they certainly hadn't been slacking off. However, the situations they had encountered were vastly different.

Compared to Zhong Xiu and Dai Jianshu, who seemed to stumble into trouble everywhere and even barely escaped an ambush by the West Dragon Palace, it was only because of Lin Yu that they were able to enlist the help of a Harmonious Dao Realm cultivator.

Wei Yuanzhou's side had gone far too smoothly. The Moving Mountain Sect had readily agreed to lend their full support without setting any conditions or inquiring about the specifics of the South Hong Seven.

Even someone as calm and collected as Ji Jingxi found this a bit too good to be true.

Since that little Sect Master Shen was also in the Moving Mountain Sect, it would be a good opportunity to pay him a visit.

With that in mind, she released her aura and was about to greet them politely when the pillar flashed with golden light, and a steady-looking middle-aged man stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"I am Yan Chongzhang, a Daoist from the Moving Mountain Sect, here to greet Elder Ji."

Yan Chongzhang then added seriously, "My master was busy earlier and didn't mean to neglect Elder Ji. He will be here shortly."

"..."

Seeing his respectful manner, Bai Wu rubbed her brow and couldn't help but smile at the little misunderstanding they had when they first arrived.

As expected, whether it was South Hong or West Hong, it all came down to strength here in Hongze.

In front of the true master of the South Hong Seven, there was no need for proof or concern about being called "southern barbarians."

"No need for formalities. I also wanted to thank Sect Master Huang in person."

Ji Jingxi nodded slightly and then, led by Yan Chongzhang, entered the treasure land of the Moving Mountain Sect.

"These martial artists weren't like this before. It's all thanks to your master's face, Elder Ji," Lu Changchun said with a smile to Lin Yu.

Before Lin Yu could respond, Su Hongxiao glanced at him faintly.

She didn't quite agree with that statement.

Perhaps Master Ji could get the Moving Mountain Sect to treat them with the highest respect, but it was Sect Master Shen's personal value that truly convinced them to leave West Hong and assist South Hong.

Face didn't necessarily bring real benefits.

"By the way, who are you here to pick up? Let me guess, is it the last Daoist... from Nanyang Sect?" Lu Changchun asked excitedly, as this was his first opportunity to leave West Hong.

"You guessed half right," Lin Yu replied, withdrawing her gaze and looking towards the majestic main hall.

The last time they parted ways, she hadn't even had a chance to properly greet Sect Master Shen... Sect Master Shen probably didn't know her, but she had a lot of questions for him.

Ji Jingxi glanced at the elders of the Moving Mountain Sect standing respectfully on both sides. While this reception made sense, she couldn't shake the feeling that, beneath their courtesy, there was a hint of relief, as if they had narrowly escaped something.

That was strange. If the Moving Mountain Sect already had troubles of their own, how could they spare the resources to aid South Hong?

Could these youngsters have misunderstood their intentions... or did the Moving Mountain Sect have ulterior motives?

"Elder Ji, please."

Yan Chongzhang gestured towards the main hall. "Elder Shen is waiting inside."

Upon hearing this, Ji Jingxi paused slightly, and the other Daoists exchanged glances.

If everything up until now could be explained by Elder Qingyue's identity, what about this "Elder Shen"?

"What are you looking at me for...?" Wei Yuanzhou twitched his mouth. He hadn't revealed Shen Yi's identity, and based on what he knew of Sect Master Shen, he wouldn't go around flaunting his status unnecessarily.

Besides, when they first visited the Moving Mountain Sect, these people didn't seem to care about status, or they wouldn't have sent their elders to provoke them.

Ji Jingxi calmed her mind and stepped into the main hall.

As she took in the scene within, the doubt in her heart finally surfaced in her eyes.

In the spacious hall, only one person sat in the main seat.

It was Shen Yi, still clad in his ink-colored robe.

Next to Shen Yi was an elderly man with a weak aura, likely severely injured, smiling obsequiously and fussing over him, serving tea and nodding obsequiously—a typical toady.

Shen Yi, for his part, was rubbing his temples with a slight headache.

"That's the First Elder of the Moving Mountain Sect.

"Wei Yuanzhou was equally stunned, but he spoke up to introduce Sect Master Ji."

"..."

Ji Jingxi stood silently, her demeanor not matching her position as the master of the Nanyang Sect. If it weren't for others informing her, she would have believed she was visiting the Master of the Moving Mountain Sect, given Elder Yang's behavior.

What transpired after they parted ways? Lu Changchun, a Daoist from West Hong, was already speechless with astonishment. He couldn't fathom that the elderly man groveling before them was the same Elder Yang who held a position of power when he had attended a banquet there previously.

Had South Hong risen to such prominence that it warranted this level of reverence when seeking aid?

He thought the Yunhe Sect had been accommodating, and he considered himself a benefactor to Daoist Lin Yu. But now, compared to the Moving Mountain Sect, he realized their efforts fell short. No wonder Daoist Lin had always been indifferent to him...

"Huh!"

Finally, Shen Yi couldn't tolerate Elder Yang's proximity and brushed him away.

He was starting to regret saving this man; his fawning was irritating.

"Oh! Oh!"

Elder Yang straightened up and noticed the group at the entrance. He quickly apologized with a smile: "My apologies, Elder Ji. I didn't realize you had arrived. Please forgive me. Make yourselves comfortable, and I'll take my leave."

After saying that, he promptly escorted Elder Qingyue to the seat of honor.

Being cunning, Elder Yang surmised that although the South Hong Seven professed unity through life and death, subtle differences likely existed among them.

With the Nanyang Sect and the Moving Mountain Sect already allied against Shi Tu Jun Rui of the Wuliang Dao Emperor Sect, they were in the same boat and unlikely to seek aid elsewhere.

Thus, Elder Yang aimed to place the Nanyang Sect in a more favorable light to avoid any misunderstandings from Sect Master Shen.

As for Elder Qingyue, who possessed a higher cultivation level... well, Elder Yang chose to ignore that for now. Every time Sect Master Shen visited, he displayed strength beyond what he showed at the banquet. Who knew if he was only revealing a fraction of his true power?

"Please, please," Elder Yang smiled and bowed to the others before turning to leave the hall without another word. He even used his spiritual energy to close the hall doors politely, acting as an outsider in the Moving Mountain Sect's treasure land.

Witnessing this, Ji Jingxi shook her head and smiled wryly.

While she didn't mind the seating arrangement, she turned to Shen Yi and asked, "What's the situation? Can we trust them?"

Although Shen Yi appeared around the same age as the other Daoists or even younger, she felt a sense of reliability about him.

"We can," Shen Yi nodded. After sending Elder Yang away, he felt relieved.

After all, taking their nameless mountain without permission and causing them trouble warranted extra courtesy on his part.

But he wasn't accustomed to such fawning behavior.

"That's good," Ji Jingxi said. Seeing Shen Yi's certainty, she didn't press further. Although he might be young and new to the responsibilities of a sect master, she trusted his judgment on this matter.

"You've done well. We're indebted to you this time," she added with a slight smile on her cold, beautiful face. This wasn't mere politeness; this young Sect Master Shen had truly protected Zhong Xiu and the others.

"Hmm?" Shen Yi looked at her, puzzled, sensing there was more to come.

Indeed, Ji Jingxi took out a small, exquisite treasure boat from her ring and placed it on the table.

"There's one more thing. I need to go to Shuizhong Yushan. Can you escort them back to the sect? I've sent a message, and Senior Brother Deng from Wushuang Zong will come to West Hong to meet you. We'll arrange a meeting location, and he'll contact you using a Daoist token."

Ji Jingxi didn't know Shen Yi well, but based on her observations, she guessed he might not know who this 'Senior Brother Deng' was, even with the mention of his name.

Honestly, she wasn't even sure if this young Sect Master knew her name.

"My name is Ji Jingxi," she introduced herself.

"Shen Yi," he replied, nodding and cupping his fist in a polite gesture.

The other Daoists below couldn't help but feel embarrassed and looked away. Lu Changchun and the other Yunhe Sect cultivators were stunned, their eyes wide.

The bond of the South Hong Seven, united through life and death... it seemed so distant and foreign to them.

"..."

Ji Jingxi covered her lips and smiled, finding this young man intriguing. Ever since Qin Shi's accident, the usually lively group of senior brothers had become quieter and less joyful.

The next moment, she heard Shen Yi ask, "What happened?"

"Hmm?" Ji Jingxi retracted her smile, surprised by his perceptiveness. She paused before continuing, "Zixian, the Yu Shan Dragon Consort, whom you've met, admires you greatly. She sent word that there have been many changes in West Hong lately. The emergence of foreign powers, such as the Wuliang Dao Emperor Sect and the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, the destruction of immortal sects, and the occupation of the Myriad Treasure Pavilion... These are all well-known major forces. In comparison, South Hong seems safer."

Speaking of which, Ji Jingxi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, a hint of worry creeping into her voice. "As for you... I fear this place has become too dangerous for these juniors. I really can't spare the time, but I'm glad our call for aid has been answered. I must trouble you to escort them back."

As her words landed, the Daoists' expressions darkened.

They had used South Hong's scarce resources to attain their current cultivation levels, reaching the White Jade Capital in the Three Cities. Among them, the most talented, like Su Hongxiao and Zhong Xiu, even showed potential to reach the Four Cities.

In terms of raw talent, they could rival the heaven-defying geniuses of the Northern Hong's Great Clans.

Who wouldn't want to follow in Xue Yan's footsteps, rising to become the chief of the Daoist Soldier Registry, inheriting a treasure land, and becoming a renowned Grand Master of all of Hongze?

But the situation had deteriorated too quickly, leaving them little time to mature.

When it came to matters involving the Dragon Palace, they were still too naive and in need of protection.

White Wu could only sigh.

Forget about the juniors; even someone with exceptional talent like Sect Master Shen, who had attracted the attention of the Moving Mountain Sect, was being urged by his master to return to South Hong.

If they wanted Sect Master Shen to escort them, why bother sending Senior Brother Deng?

"Understood," Shen Yi replied, refraining from boasting about his connections with those forces.

This was actually good news.

It indicated that even with Yu Shan Dragon Consort's influence in West Hong, she hadn't found any evidence linking the South Hong Seven to the recent incidents. As for the powers in the distant Northern Hong, it would be even harder for them to uncover the truth.

What Shen Yi needed most now was time.

"That's good," Ji Jingxi said, her smile warming as she saw Shen Yi's easy agreement.

Perhaps her senior brothers had misjudged him. Maybe Shen Yi wasn't the type to be proud and stir up trouble, but through their encounters, she felt he was becoming more and more like Qin Shi.

Under this young Sect Master Shen's leadership, the Nanyang Sect might truly regain its former glory, or even surpass it.

"Zixian and I still have some matters to discuss. I'll take my leave now. You must be careful... don't get into any trouble," Ji Jingxi said slowly, a hint of fatigue in her voice as she rubbed her forehead.

For her, meeting with Zixian, the Yu Shan Dragon Consort, was more exhausting than facing a Heavenly Realm cultivator in battle.

However, for the South Hong Seven, having a reliable source of information was imperative.

"Rest assured, I'll do my best to look after them," Shen Yi said as he stood to see her off.

"I..." Ji Jingxi trailed off, finally revealing a hint of a senior's demeanor as she sighed and glanced at him reproachfully. "And you, take care of yourself as well."

With that, she smiled, shook her head, and took her leave.

Just then, the hall doors slowly opened.

An elderly man in plain robes stood at the entrance, a smile on his face. He bowed and said, "Greetings, Sect Master Ji."

Ji Jingxi was taken aback. The seemingly harmless old man before her was the true Sect Master of the Moving Mountain Sect. Compared to Shen Yi, her sect master seemed more like the master of the treasure land.

"Sect Master Huang, I haven't properly thanked your sect for your help with South Hong's matters..." Ji Jingxi began.

"Discuss what? There's nothing to discuss," Huang Xinyi interrupted, waving his hand. The South Hong Seven had supposedly fallen from grace, yet they had produced a Heavenly Realm expert. The young man before them exuded an otherworldly aura, his demeanor impressive.

As the Daoists paled and Ji Jingxi's eyebrows furrowed, Huang Xinyi laughed heartily. "My Moving Mountain Sect, with its two Harmonious Dao Realm treasure lands and all its cultivators, will heed Sect Master Shen's every command!"

This time, not only Lu Changchun and the other Yunhe Sect cultivators but even Su Hongxiao and Wei Yuanzhou were stunned by his declaration.

This wasn't just a recruitment offer; they were treating Shen Yi like family.

Ji Jingxi was at a loss for words.

She turned slightly, looking deeply into Shen Yi's eyes, and wondered if he was as naive as she had thought.

However, she couldn't understand how a cultivator from West Hong could gain such respect from the Moving Mountain Sect without using force.

It didn't seem like coercion, and Sect Master Huang appeared genuinely happy.

Ji Jingxi had intended to ask Shen Yi why he had revealed his sect master identity to strangers without consulting her first.

But now, she didn't want to ask.

Regardless of the means Shen Yi had used, if the Moving Mountain Sect's attitude was genuine, he had earned the right to be their sect master.

"Since that's the case, I won't bother you further, Sect Master Huang," Ji Jingxi said, her tone carrying complex emotions as she bowed in farewell.

"Then, he vanished from the spot."

"Sect Master Shen?"

Only then did the old man turn to look at Shen Yi.

"It's fine. Stay a few more days."

Although Shen Yi was in a hurry, he didn't mind sending these people back. After all, when the South Dragon Palace wanted to move their affiliates, Wei Yuanzhou and the others had readily stood up to help without hesitation.

However, as he was waiting for the master of the Wushuang Sect to arrive, Shen Yi also wanted to take this opportunity, with the help of the local powerhouse, the Moving Mountain Sect, to search for news about the Frost Tiger Chieftain.

Without a Heavenly Realm expert by his side, he didn't feel completely at ease.

Moreover, he also needed to further ponder the usage of the Divine Mountain Suppressing the Heavens.

...

West Hong, atop Yushan.

In a secluded chamber.

Zi Xian flipped through jade slips, her expression unchanged, but her movements lacking the calmness she once had.

She had come to West Hong with a mission from her father.

The Dragon Kings of the Four Hong Dragon Palaces typically spent most of their time helping the immortals suppress the qi of the land, so the true rulers of the Dragon Palaces were usually the heirs apparent.

Her task was to support Qi Da, help him ascend the throne as the Crown Prince, take control of the West Dragon Seal, prepare for the East Dragon Palace's schemes, and eventually use the East and West Hong to hide from North Hong's sight, gradually plotting against the South Dragon Palace.

With this, half of the grand plan would be accomplished.

Ten thousand years ago, her father had discovered that in Hongze, no matter how much force they gathered, they could never defeat the immortals.

To gain the power to overturn the table, they needed to borrow strength from above.

The power capable of stopping an immortal naturally had to come from the heavens.

As the Purple Beard White Dragon, she had an abundance of time, and with the full support of the East Dragon Palace, taking control of West Hong was a sure thing.

Qi Da would definitely make some small moves.

But whatever price he could pay, Zi Xian could easily outbid him.

For example, An Tingfeng, the fierce tiger he desperately wanted to recruit, could only be supplied with the continuation of soul items by the East Dragon Palace.

So Zi Xian rarely felt any obstacles.

As long as they didn't make too much noise and attract the attention of the West Dragon King, it would be fine.

But now, she truly felt that the situation was spiraling out of control. Various forces were mysteriously getting involved, and from the news sent by her niece, in addition to the others, even the East Dragon Palace was helping to hide the Yu family from sight...

"Hu."

She sighed softly, then quickly smiled and looked up, "You're here?"

In the luxurious chamber, a figure in plain white appeared.

Without waiting for an invitation, Ji Jingxi sat in the side seat and said softly, "I went to see Shen Yi."

"Shen Yi?"

Zi Xian's eyebrows twitched imperceptibly, wondering why she had omitted the title of 'Sect Master'.

"He's pretty good." Ji Jingxi nodded.

"Is that so?"

Zi Xian tugged at her red lips, her palm resting on the letter from her niece. That "pretty good" Shen Yi had just represented the South Hong Seven and made an enemy of the Yu family.

She thought about it and removed her hand.

Never mind, considering that the young man had stood up for her before, she wouldn't speak ill of him behind his back this time.

Moreover, given Jingxi's personality, she probably wouldn't like such behavior anyway.

"Look at this."

Zi Xian picked up another jade slip and casually threw it over, "I do need your help, but I'm also concerned about you all."

"Hmm?" Ji Jingxi took the jade slip and scanned it carefully, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"I received news from my subordinates that the old phoenix in West Hong has her eyes on your new helper." Zi Xian smiled faintly, and with her control over West Hong, she could help the South Hong Seven anticipate many potential troubles.

"What do you want me to do? Should I send someone to warn it?"

"No need, I'll go myself."

Ji Jingxi slowly stood up. The Cloud River Sect had just sent many cultivators to the South to assess the situation, and at such a time, they couldn't afford any mishaps.

It would be more reassuring if she went herself.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, there's no need to be so polite with me. After all, you're here to help me as well."

Zi Xian didn't try to keep her this time. Instead of words, she needed to constantly demonstrate her value to the South Hong Seven, and Jingxi would continue to return to her side.

It was also a good opportunity to send that young man named Shen back to the South.

Zi Xian was in a great mood now, and the previous anxiety had disappeared.

"...'

Although Ji Jingxi looked young and was a stunning beauty, she had been a sect master for many years and could easily see through Zi Xian's thoughts.

She just couldn't understand... why the people from the East Dragon Palace were obviously well-intentioned, but they always had some incomprehensible quirks that made it difficult for others to get close to them.

Even, even from her previous question, it seemed like she was jealous of Sect Master Shen.

Just thinking about it made Ji Jingxi feel absurd. What was going on in Zi Xian's mind?

A hint of helplessness flashed in her smile, "Then I'll take my leave."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end