Chapter 560: The Reunion of the Two Nanhong Sect Masters

Chapter 560: The Reunion of the Two Nanhong Sect Masters

"He's at the Mountain Moving Sect."

The cool-tempered woman in white slowly put away her Daoist tablet and turned to look behind her, "I'll send you there first."

Lin You and the other five Daoists from Southern Hong, including Lin You, were gathered together, accompanied by the Daoist from Cloud River Sect, Luo Changchun, and several elders from White Jade Capital.

Ji Jingxi slightly waved her sleeve, and the group of people disappeared from their original spot.

When they reappeared, a majestic pillar had appeared before their eyes.

She lifted her gaze, and a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

This time, when they split into two groups to seek aid, Ji Jingxi naturally knew how hard the Daoists had worked. They definitely hadn't been slacking off, but the situations they encountered were vastly different.

Compared to Zhong Xiu and Dai Jianshu, who encountered setbacks wherever they went and almost fell into an ambush by the Western Dragon Palace, it was only with Lin You's help that they managed to secure the assistance of a Dao Fusion Realm cultivator.

On Wei Yuanzhou's side, things had gone too smoothly. The Mountain Moving Sect hadn't set any conditions, nor did they inquire about the specific situation of the Southern Flood Seven Sons. They readily agreed to provide full assistance.

Even someone with Ji Jingxi's serene temperament felt that this was a bit too surreal.

As it happened, that young Sect Master Shen was also at the Mountain Moving Sect, so it was a good opportunity to go in and take a look.

With this in mind, she released her aura and slightly cupped her hands, preparing to be polite, but the pillar flashed with golden light, and a middle-aged man with a dignified demeanor stepped forward and respectfully performed a grand salute.

"Mountain Moving Sect Daoist Yan Chongzhang, paying respects to Senior Ji."

After speaking, Yan Chongzhang seriously explained, "My Master was busy earlier and wasn't intentionally neglecting Senior Ji. He will be here shortly."

"..."

Seeing his respectful manner, Bai Wu rubbed her eyebrows and couldn't help but smile helplessly as she recalled the initial misunderstanding when they first arrived.

Indeed, the talk of Southern Hong and Western Hong was just a facade. In the Hongze region, it was all about raw strength.

In front of the true Southern Flood Seven Sons' Sect Master, there was no need for proof, and no one would bring up a title like "Southern Barbarian."

"No need for such formality. I also wanted to thank Huang Zongzhu in person."

Ji Jingxi lightly nodded and, led by Yan Chongzhang, entered the Mountain Moving Sect's treasure grounds.

"These martial artists weren't like this before. It's all thanks to your status, Senior Ji."

Among the crowd, Luo Changchun smiled at Lin You and said softly, "The Cloud River Sect, also part of the Western Hong forces, is significantly weaker than the Mountain Moving Sect, and they have a deeper understanding of these people."

Before Lin You could respond, Su Hongxiu had already glanced at her indifferently.

She didn't quite agree with that statement.

Perhaps Senior Ji could make the Mountain Moving Sect treat them with the highest courtesy, but to truly convince these martial artists to leave Western Hong and assist Southern Hong, it still relied on the personal value of Sect Master Shen, which caught the attention of the Mountain Moving Sect.

Face doesn't necessarily bring real benefits.

"By the way, who are you here to pick up? Let me guess, is it the last Daoist... from the Nan Yang Sect?"

This was Luo Changchun's first opportunity to leave Western Hong, and he couldn't help but feel excited.

"You guessed half of it."

Lin You withdrew her gaze and looked towards the majestic main hall in front of her.

The last time they parted ways, she didn't even have time to greet Sect Master Shen... She estimated that Sect Master Shen might not even recognize her, but she had many questions she wanted to ask him.

Ji Jingxi glanced at the Mountain Moving Sect elders standing respectfully on both sides. This arrangement was reasonable, but for some reason, aside from reverence, she vaguely saw a trace of relief, as if they had narrowly escaped a calamity, on their faces.

This was strange. If the Mountain Moving Sect already had troubles of their own, how could they possibly spare the manpower to aid Southern Hong?

Could it be that these young fellows misunderstood their intentions... Or did the Mountain Moving Sect have other motives?

"Senior Ji, please."

Yan Chongzhang gestured towards the main hall, "Senior Shen is waiting for you inside."

Upon hearing this, Ji Jingxi was slightly stunned, and the other Daoists also exchanged glances.

If everything that happened earlier could be explained by the identity of the Clear Moon Sect Master, what about this title of "Senior Shen"?

"Why are you looking at me..."

Wei Yuanzhou's lips twitched. He hadn't revealed Shen Yi's identity, and based on his understanding of Sect Master Shen, the latter wouldn't casually flaunt his status as a sect master outside.

Moreover, when they first visited the Mountain Moving Sect, these people didn't acknowledge any identities. Otherwise, they wouldn't have sent several elders to personally challenge their Daoists.

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

When she saw the situation inside, the doubts in her heart finally surfaced in her eyes.

In the empty hall, there was only one person seated, and he was occupying the main seat.

The person wearing that ink-colored robe could only be Shen Yi.

Beside Shen Yi, an elder with some cultivation base emanated a weak aura and was likely severely injured. He was all smiles as he inquired about Shen Yi's well-being, served tea, and bowed and scraped, looking like a complete sycophant.

Shen Yi, on the other hand, was rubbing his temples with a slight headache.

"That's the Mountain Moving Sect's Grand Elder."

"Wei Yuanzhou was also shocked, but he spoke up to introduce the Ji Sect Master."

"..."

Ji Jingxi stood silently in her spot, looking nothing like the Nanyang Sect Master. If no one mentioned it, just judging by the situation, she would have thought she was visiting the Mountain Movers Sect Master.

No, what had happened here after they parted ways?

Compared to the other Daozis, Luo Changchun, who was from Western Hong, was already shocked beyond words. It was hard to imagine that the humble old man from earlier was the same Yang Elder he had seen during his previous visit, a figure of high status and power.

Had Southern Hong's influence already reached this level? Even when asking for help, they could receive such treatment?

He had thought that the Cloud River Sect had been quite considerate, and he considered himself half a benefactor to Lin You Daoyou. But now, compared to the Mountain Movers Sect, they were lacking by more than a little. No wonder Lin Daoyou had always treated him with indifference.

"Huff."

Finally, Shen Yi couldn't take it anymore and pushed away Yang Yunheng's face, which was leaning too close.

He truly began to regret saving him.

Who could be this annoying?

"Oh! Oh!"

Yang Yunheng straightened up and finally noticed the group of people at the hall entrance. He repeatedly apologized with a smile, "It was the fault of this junior for not paying attention. I didn't realize that Senior Ji had already arrived. My apologies, please continue your conversation, I'll take my leave first."

After saying this, he quickly led the Clear Moon Sect Master to a more prominent seat.

As a perceptive person, Yang Yunheng could guess that although the Southern Flood Seven Sons claimed to be inseparable, there were subtle differences among them.

Now that the Mountain Movers Sect and the Nanyang Sect had jointly suppressed Situ Junrui of the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, they were already on the same boat and wouldn't switch to another sect.

At this time, it was natural to give the Nanyang Sect a more important position to avoid any misunderstandings from Sect Master Shen.

As for the Clear Moon Sect Master having a higher cultivation... Don't joke, every time Sect Master Shen came, she displayed strength far beyond what she had shown previously. Who knew how much of her true power she was revealing this time.

"Please, please."

Yang Yunheng smiled and bowed to the others, then left the hall without looking back. He even used his aura to help close the hall doors, clearly being within the Mountain Movers Sect's sacred land, but acting as if he were an outsider and not minding at all.

Seeing this, Ji Jingxi couldn't help but shake her head and smile lightly.

Of course, she wouldn't mind something like seating arrangements. She glanced at Shen Yi, "What's going on here? Can we trust them?"

Although Shen Yi looked around the same age as the Daozis, he seemed even younger.

For some reason, Ji Jingxi felt that he was more reliable.

"It's fine."

Shen Yi nodded, and after seeing off the Elder, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, he had just taken their Nameless Mountain without asking and caused them quite a bit of trouble. Naturally, he couldn't be too harsh in his attitude.

But he truly wasn't used to being treated this way.

"That's good."

Seeing Shen Yi's certainty, Ji Jingxi didn't ask further. Although he was a Sect Master, he was still young and couldn't fully shoulder the responsibilities of a Sect Master yet. But he should have a basic judgment about these matters.

"You've worked hard. This trip wouldn't have been possible without you."

A trace of relieved smile appeared on her pale and cold face. This wasn't just a polite remark; this young Sect Master Shen had genuinely protected Zhong Xiu and the others' lives.

"Hmm?" Shen Yi looked at her with a hint of confusion, feeling there was more to her words.

Indeed, Ji Jingxi took out a small, exquisite treasure ship from her sleeve and placed it on the table, "There's one more thing I need to trouble you with. I still need to go to the Jade Mountain in the water. Can you escort these few back to the sect? I've already sent a message to the sect. Senior Brother Deng from the Unmatched Sect will come to Western Hong to meet you. He'll contact you using a Dao plaque when he arrives."

Ji Jingxi didn't know much about Shen Yi, but based on what she had seen so far, she estimated that just mentioning Senior Brother Deng would likely not ring a bell for him.

Hmm... To be honest, she wasn't even sure if this young Sect Master Shen knew her name.

"My surname is Ji, just call me Jingxi."

"Shen Yi."

Shen Yi nodded and politely cupped his hands.

Seeing this, the Daozis below unconsciously looked to the side.

As expected, the Cloud River Sect's group, led by Luo Changchun, was staring with wide eyes and open mouths.

The Southern Flood Seven Sons, inseparable in life and death... What a distant relationship of life and death.

"..."

Ji Jingxi slightly covered her lips and smiled, finding this young man even more interesting. Ever since Qin Shixiong's incident, the atmosphere among the few Shixiong had become more somber, rarely experiencing the joy they once had.

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

"Hmm?"

Ji Jingxi's smile faded, and she didn't expect his mind to be so sharp. After a moment of thought, she said, "Zi Xian, the Jade Mountain Dragon Consort, you've met her before. She quite admires you."

"She sent a message saying that recently, Western Hong has undergone many changes. External forces from various sides are trying to muddy the waters, like the Boundless Dao Emperor Sect, the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, and even Immortal Sects have been destroyed, and the Ten Thousand Phenomena Pavilion has been squatted by others. You might not be too familiar with these, but they are all well-known major powers. Compared to them, even Southern Hong seems safer."

As she spoke, a hint of worry crept into Ji Jingxi's expression, "For you... for these juniors, this place has become somewhat too dangerous. I'm already stretched thin, and although I've managed to secure some aid, it would still be a bother to send them back. So, I'd appreciate it if you could escort them."

The other disciples' faces fell slightly at her words.

With the meager resources of Southern Flood, they had managed to achieve the cultivation of White Jade Capital in the Three Cities. Among them, outstanding individuals like Su Hongxiu and Zhong Xiu, if they could leave Southern Flood, might even have the hope of opening the Four Cities.

Just in terms of talent, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were on par with the proud scions of the Northern Flood's great clans.

Who wouldn't want to emulate Xue Yan, ranking first in the Dao Soldier Register, and then inheriting the sacred land, becoming a renowned grandmaster of the Dao Fusion Realm in all of Hongze?

But the situation had deteriorated too quickly, and they didn't have enough time to grow.

When it came to matters concerning the Dragon Palace, they still seemed too inexperienced, to the point where they needed protection.

Bai Wu sighed.

Forget about them, even Shen Daoyou, who possessed even more exceptional talent, had caught the attention of the Mountain Movers Sect. Even though his master had spoken politely, he still wanted to send Shen Daoyou back to Southern Flood.

If they intended to have Shen Daoyou protected, why bother having Deng Shushi come to escort him?

"I understand," Shen Yi said without standing up like a fool and mentioning those powers he was familiar with and had connections to.

This was actually good news.

It proved that even with Jade Mountain Dragon Consort's control over Western Flood, there was no evidence connecting these matters to the Southern Flood Seven Sons, let alone the numerous powers in the distant Northern Flood. If they wanted to investigate, it would be even more challenging.

What Shen Yi needed most right now was time.

"That's good," Ji Jingxi said, her smile growing more intense as she saw how easily Shen Yi had agreed.

She now felt that the other senior disciples' judgment might have been mistaken. Shen Yi might not be the type with a lofty heart and arrogant personality, causing trouble. Instead, after these encounters, she felt that he was becoming more and more similar to Qin Shixiong.

Under the leadership of this young Sect Master Shen, the Southern Yang Sect might truly be able to regain its former status, perhaps even surpassing it.

"Zi Xian still has some things to discuss with me, so I'll be going first. You must be careful... don't get into any trouble." Ji Jingxi slowly stood up, feeling slightly weary as she rubbed her forehead.

For her, meeting Zi Xian was even more exhausting than sparring with another Heaven Realm cultivator.

But for the current Southern Flood Seven Sons, having a reliable source of information was a necessity.

"Rest assured, I'll do my best to watch over them," Shen Yi said, rising to see her off.

"I..." Ji Jingxi's words trailed off, and she sighed, finally unable to hold back and showing a hint of a senior's demeanor, giving him an exasperated glance, "Oh, and you yourself."

After saying this, she smiled and shook her head, then took a step towards the hall's exit.

Just then, the hall doors slowly opened.

An old man in plain robes stood at the entrance with a smile, bowing and greeting, "Greetings, Ji Zongzhu."

Ji Jingxi was startled for a moment before realizing that this seemingly harmless old man was the true Sect Master of the Mountain Movers Sect... When comparing him with Shen Yi, whether it was their demeanor or the treatment they received, the latter seemed more like the master of the Mountain Movers sacred land.

"Huang Zongzhu, Ji Jingxi hasn't had the chance to thank your sect for discussing matters concerning Southern Flood..."

"Discuss what? There's nothing to discuss," Huang Xinyi waved his hand, feeling a bit emotional. It was said that the Southern Flood Seven Sons had fallen, yet a Heaven Realm expert casually appeared, and he looked so otherworldly. Wasn't he more like a senior expert who had long resided by the side of an immortal than Cimu Junrui?

As the disciples' faces changed, Ji Jingxi slightly raised her eyebrows.

He laughed heartily, "The two Dao Fusion sacred lands of my Mountain Movers Sect, all the cultivators, will listen to Shen Zongzhu's commands."

At that moment, not only did Luo Changchun and the other Cloud River Sect cultivators show surprise, but even Su Hongxiu and Wei Yuanzhou, who had been prepared, couldn't hide their astonishment.

This wasn't about recruiting Shen Zongzhu; they were treating him like a beloved son.

Listening to his tone, it was as if they were treating him like a father.

"..."

For a moment, Ji Jingxi was at a loss for words.

She slightly turned to the side, looking deeply at Shen Yi, and suddenly realized that he might not be as inexperienced as she had imagined.

But Ji Jingxi didn't quite understand how a cultivator from the distant Western Flood could show such a sincere and respectful attitude towards the Southern Flood Sect without any coercion.

It didn't seem like he was being forced, at least Huang Zongzhu was smiling happily.

According to her previous thoughts, Ji Jingxi should have asked Shen Yi why he had revealed his identity as the Sect Master in Western Flood without informing her.

But now, she didn't want to ask.

No matter what means Shen Yi had used, as long as the Mountain Movers Sect's attitude wasn't feigned, then he was fully capable of shouldering the responsibilities of a Sect Master.

"Since it's like this, Ji Jingxi won't bother you all anymore."

The Clear Moon Sect Master slightly felt her mood grow complex as she withdrew her gaze and bid farewell.

Then, his figure vanished from his original spot.

"Sect Master Shen?"

Old Huang finally turned to look at Shen Yi.

"It's fine, stay a few more days."

Time was urgent, but Shen Yi didn't mind sending these people back. After all, aside from other matters, when the Southern Dragon Palace wanted to move against their vassals, Wei Yuanzhou and the others had immediately stepped forward to help stabilize the situation.

However, he had to wait for the master of the Wuduang Sect to arrive, and he also wanted to use this opportunity to search for news about the Frost Tiger Clan Leader with the help of the Mountain Moving Sect, who were the local experts.

Without a Heavenly Realm expert by his side, he couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.

Moreover, he wanted to further study the usage of the Divine Mountain Suppressing Azure Sky.

...

Western Hong, the peak of Jade Mountain.

In the secluded chambers.

Zi Xian flipped through jade slips, her expression calm as usual, but her movements lacked the composure of the past.

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

The Dragon Kings of the Four Flood Dragon Palaces spent most of their time helping Immortals suppress their luck with dragon blood, so the true rulers of the Dragon Palaces were usually the crown princes.

To overthrow Qi Da and help the other party ascend to the position of crown prince, controlling the Western Dragon Palace, and preparing for the Eastern Dragon Palace's plans, they would eventually use the Eastern and Western Floods to block the Northern Flood's vision, gradually plotting against the Southern Dragon Palace.

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

As early as ten thousand years ago, her father had discovered that in the Hongze region, no matter how much power they gathered, they could never defeat an Immortal.

To have the strength to overturn the table, they needed to borrow power.

To stop the power of an Immortal, they naturally had to borrow from the heavens.

As a purple-bearded white dragon, she had no shortage of time. With the strong support of the Eastern Dragon Palace, controlling Western Hong was actually a sure thing.

Qi Da would definitely make small moves.

But the price he could pay, Zi Xian could easily pay even more.

For example, An Tingfeng, whom the other party had always wanted to win over, was the ferocious tiger who most wanted the object to continue his soul, and only the Eastern Dragon Palace could afford to provide it.

So Zi Xian rarely felt any obstacles.

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

But now, she truly felt that the situation was spiraling out of control, with various forces inexplicably getting involved. From the news she received from her niece, aside from a few others, even the Eastern Dragon Palace was helping to block the Yan family's vision...

"Hmm."

She let out a long sigh, and a smile quickly appeared on her face as she looked forward, "You're here?"

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

Ji Jingxi didn't wait for an invitation and took the side seat, then spoke softly, "I went to see Shen Yi."

"Shen Yi?"

Zi Xian's eyebrows rose imperceptibly, wondering why she had omitted the two words 'Sect Master'.

"She's doing well." Ji Jingxi nodded.

"Really?"

Zi Xian tugged at her rosy lips, her palm covering the letter sent by her niece. This 'doing well' Sect Master Shen had just formed a deadly grudge with the Southern Flood Seven Sons and the Yan family.

After thinking for a moment, she moved her hand away.

Forget it, considering that the boy had helped her save face last time, she wouldn't speak ill of him behind his back this time.

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

"Look at this."

Zi Xian took out another jade slip and threw it lightly, "I do need your help, but my thoughts are also on you."

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

"My subordinates received news that the old phoenix in Western Hong has his eyes on your new helper." Zi Xian smiled lightly, and with her control over Western Hong, she could help the Southern Flood Seven Sons foresee many troubles.

"What do you think? Should I send someone to warn him?"

"No need, I'll go."

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

It was better to go personally.

"Thank you."

"I said, don't be polite with me. After all, you're staying here to help me."

This time, Zi Xian didn't try to keep her, and compared to words, she only needed to constantly show her value to the Southern Flood Seven Sons, and Jingxi would keep returning to her side.

It was also a good opportunity to send that Shen boy back to the Southern Flood.

Zi Xian was in a great mood now, and her previous anxiety had vanished.

...

Although Ji Jingxi looked young and had the charm to captivate both fish and birds, she had been a sect master for many years and could see through Zi Xian's thoughts.

She just couldn't understand... why the people of the Eastern Dragon Palace clearly had good intentions, but they always had some incomprehensible quirks, making it difficult to relax and get close to them.

Moreover, from that previous counter-question, it seemed like she was even competing with Sect Master Shen for attention.

Just thinking about this, Ji Jingxi found it absurd. What was going on in Zi Xian's mind?

Her smile became even more helpless, "Then I'll take my leave first."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end