Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 349 Undercurrent surging
The sky was clear and cloudless. In Anyuan City, Fengxingzong Mountain Gate stood tall.

The entire mountain range was decorated with lanterns and colorful flowers, and golden clouds in the sky changed shape like eagles and hounds.

In front of the mountain gate, a large, dark mass of disciples from the Fengxing Sect stood in formation, waiting.

"I'm coming."

"It must be the sect leader!"

"should be."

Suddenly, the crowd stirred, whispering amongst themselves as a dark shadow appeared on the distant horizon, hurtling towards them at incredible speed.

"Silence." The elderly man with white hair and beard at the head of the group frowned and reprimanded them. His voice was clear and reached everyone's ears. Instantly, the noisy noise quieted down.

Soon, a beam of light landed in front of everyone, revealing the figure of a burly man with a full beard. It was Zhuang Buyi, the leader of the Fengxing Sect. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking radiant and glancing at everyone with the demeanor of a lion king returning to his territory.

"Congratulations on the Sect Leader's breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm." The leading elder led several Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Windwalking Sect forward quickly and bowed respectfully.

"Congratulations to the Sect Leader on breaking through to the Golden Core Realm!" The vast sea of ​​disciples from the Windwalking Sect shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

As soon as the words were spoken, golden clouds surged in the air and formed a huge line of golden characters, which were the slogans shouted by the crowd.

At the same time, countless white cranes emerged from the mountain gate, fluttering around the magnificent golden characters in mid-air.

"Congratulations to the Sect Leader on breaking through to the Golden Core Realm."

"Congratulations to the Sect Leader on breaking through to the Golden Core Realm."

The calls, like birdsong, rose and fell near the mountain gate; they were the cries of the tamed parrot spirit beasts.

"Let's go." A smile appeared on Zhuang Buyi's face. He raised his head, waved his wide sleeves, and strode towards the mountain gate.

When the group arrived at the main hall of the mountain gate, Zhuang Buyi went straight to the main seat above and sat down, while several Foundation Establishment cultivators stood with their hands at their sides.

"At this chaotic time, the sect leader has successfully broken through to the Golden Core realm; this is a blessing from heaven for our sect," the old man said, bowing respectfully.

"I have decided that our sect will form an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect. From this day forward, Anyuan City will stand with the Yunxuan Sect through thick and thin," Zhuang Buyi said, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

The people below exchanged glances, then lowered their heads and remained silent, a brief silence falling over the hall.

This wasn't the first time Zhuang Buyi had brought up the matter of an alliance between the sect and the Yunxuan Sect; he had mentioned it before, but because it was a matter of great importance, no final decision had been made.

Although the Fengxing Sect and the Yushou Sect had broken off relations, on the surface, they were still an independent third party, separate from the Yushou Sect and the Yunxuan Sect. The entire sect alliance in Anyuan City was also called the Independent Alliance.

If they were to announce an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect, it would be tantamount to completely siding with the Yunxuan Sect and becoming an enemy of the Beast Taming Sect.

Moreover, since it is an alliance, even if the Beast Taming Sect does not send anyone to attack, if the Yunxuan Sect is at war in the future, the Fengxing Sect will definitely send someone to support them.

However, some people within the Fengxing Sect did not want to get involved, so when Zhuang Buyi raised this matter before, he encountered a lot of resistance and opposition.

But at this moment, Zhuang Buyi successfully formed his core and became a Golden Core cultivator. With such a resolute attitude, those who had originally opposed him dared not speak up.

"Since the sect leader has made his decision, we will naturally obey." The elder in the lead replied, "However, our sect has already formed an independent alliance with other sects in Anyuan City, and now we have also formed an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect. If those sects in Anyuan City do not want to get involved, how should we deal with them?"

"Whoever opposes will be eliminated. The Anyuan City Independent Alliance is decided by our sect, and it is not their place to interfere. Who dares to disobey our sect's decision? You should immediately summon the leaders of all sects and forces. I will announce this decision then, and see who dares to say a word against it."

…………

As night fell, the sky darkened, and a light drizzle pattered incessantly.

In the brightly lit hall, Zhang Ningyuan entered from outside and bowed to Lin Zixiang, who was sitting inside: "Greetings, Senior Brother Lin."

"Junior Brother Ningyuan is here, please have a seat!" Lin Zixiang said expressionlessly.

Although he had no personal grudges against Zhang Ningyuan, Zhang Ningyuan and Zhong Wenyuan had never gotten along well. Furthermore, after Zhong Wenyuan's death, Zhang Ningyuan took over the position of chief cabinet secretary, so he was not close to him.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Lin." Zhang Ningyuan took a seat as instructed.

What brings you here?

"The sect leader has ordered you to go to Mount Luojia."

"What happened at Luojia Mountain?"

“It’s nothing important. Junior Brother Hu Xiaobao has successfully established his foundation. The sect leader wants him to stay and guard Tianshan. However, since Tianshan only has one second-grade cultivation room, and Luojia Mountain happens to have another one, we ask Senior Brother Lin to go there. This will both increase the defenses of Luojia Mountain and make it easier for Senior Brother Lin to cultivate.” Zhang Ningyuan flipped his hand and took out a jade slip, presenting it to him with both hands.

Upon hearing this, George Lam's expression instantly turned cold, his lips pressed tightly together, and the muscles around his eyes twitched slightly.

Hu Xiaobao has reached the Foundation Establishment stage, so it's outrageous to make him move to another position.

In terms of status, he was an elder of the sect; in terms of position, he was the commander of the Martial Guard Pavilion, and Hu Xiaobao was his deputy commander.

Now they're actually asking him to make way for Hu Xiaobao? What nonsense about increasing the defenses of Luojia Mountain? It's just a way to sideline him.

Lin Zixiang grew angrier the more he thought about it, but in front of Zhang Ningyuan, he held back and said coldly with a livid face, "I understand, you can go!"

"Then I'll take my leave." Zhang Ningyuan left the jade slip and turned to leave.

"Bang." After he walked away, Lin Zixiang couldn't help but slam his fist on the table.

"Husband, what's wrong?" At this moment, a graceful woman walked in. Seeing this scene, she stood there stunned. In her memory, she had never seen him so angry.

Lin Zixiang's face was ashen. He glanced at the woman's slightly protruding belly and took a deep breath: "It's nothing. Why did you come?"

The woman walked up to him, placed her hand on his shoulder, and said softly, "Meng Jing just came to me. She wants to be transferred back to Tianshan to work in the Finance Department and wants to ask you for help, husband."

"I understand." Lin Zixiang touched her slightly protruding belly, his expression softening. "Don't worry about these things, leave them to me!"

.........

Inside the brightly lit room on Luojia Mountain, Song Xian entered from outside.

Inside, Huang Ye was already waiting. Upon seeing him arrive, he stood up and bowed, saying, "Sect Leader, I have just received news that Zhuang Buyi, the Sect Leader of the Windwalking Sect, has broken through to the Golden Core Realm."

"Oh?" Song Xian paused. "Really? When did this happen?" "It should have been not long ago. Moreover, I heard that Fengxing Sect and Yunxuan Sect have announced an alliance."

"An alliance?" Song Xian frowned. In recent years, the war between the Beast Taming Sect and the Yunxuan Sect had gradually subsided and things had finally settled down. Now the Fengxing Sect had stirred up this trouble. Could it be that they were about to make some big move?

Although the Fengxing Sect is generally regarded by outsiders as being in league with the Yunxuan Sect, this is because when the Anyuan City Independent Alliance was established, the Beast Taming Sect led a large force to attack it, and it was only with the help of the Yunxuan Sect that the Fengxing Sect was saved.

The initiative to form an alliance was somewhat unexpected. An alliance means that the two sides will advance and retreat together, share honor and disgrace. If Yunxuanzong needs manpower and financial support, Fengxingzong will be obligated to provide it, and vice versa.

Originally, the Fengxing Sect had formed an independent alliance with the sects in Anyuan City. They thought it was just trying to get rid of the control of the Beast Taming Sect, but unexpectedly, it actively got involved in this vortex.

This shows that the Windwalking Sect's ambitions are definitely not small.

"Where did Zhuang Buyi break through to the Golden Core Realm? Did the Yunxuan Sect provide assistance?" After pondering for a while, Song Xian asked.

To break through to the Golden Core Realm, one needs at least a mid-grade third-level spiritual vein. Without the assistance of a powerful force, the spiritual vein at the Windwalking Sect's mountain gate alone is insufficient.

The Fengxing Sect has broken ties with the Yushou Sect, and the Yushou Sect is unlikely to help him break through to the Golden Core Realm. That leaves only the Yunxuan Sect. In addition, after Zhuang Buyi broke through to the Golden Core Realm, the Fengxing Sect immediately announced an alliance with the Yunxuan Sect. It is conceivable that the Yunxuan Sect must have helped him achieve his Golden Core Realm.

Then the question arises: Yunxuan Sect's mountain gate is located in a third-grade low-level spiritual vein, and the concentration of spiritual energy is far from sufficient for the formation of the Golden Core. So, which force's spiritual vein did Yunxuan Sect find to help Zhuang Buyi break through to the Golden Core realm?

Whoever it is, this force must have a close relationship with the Yunxuan Sect and is a potential ally.

"It's not clear yet, but I've sent people to inquire."

"What do you think about this?"

Huang Ye pondered and said, "When the Beast Taming Sect and the Yunxuan Sect were fighting fiercely, the Fengxing Sect did not ally with them. Now that the war between the two sides has gradually subsided, the Fengxing Sect has announced an alliance with them at this time. There are only two possibilities. Either the Yunxuan Sect wants to restart the war, or the Fengxing Sect wants to use the Yunxuan Sect's power to expand its territory."

"I am more worried about the second scenario than the renewed war in Xijiang County. If Fengxing Sect wants to take advantage of the situation to expand its territory, it will definitely extend its reach to Humen City and Bianxi City, since both of these cities are under the control of Yushou Sect and are relatively close to Anyuan City."

"If the Windwalking Sect attacks, will the Falling Cloud Sect turn against us and betray us? Their stance is uncertain. They are already wavering between the Cloud Propagation Sect and the Beast Taming Sect. Under pressure from the Windwalking Sect, they may directly side with the Cloud Propagation Sect."

Hearing this, Song Xian frowned even more. Just then, a disciple came to the outer room of the hall, bowed and said, "Reporting to the sect leader, Elder Lin has arrived and has come to pay his respects."

"Invite him over."

"Yes." The disciple responded and left.

"You should go first! From now on, pay close attention to the news and movements of the Windwalker Sect."

Huang Ye got up to take his leave, and soon Lin Zixiang came into the room. He bowed with a straight face and no expression, saying, "Sect Leader."

"Brother Zixiang, you've worked hard. Please sit down." Seeing his cold expression, Song Xian knew that he was dissatisfied with the matter, so he kindly invited him to sit down.

"Please instruct me on what specific tasks the sect leader intends for me to be responsible for after transferring me to Mount Luojia."

George Lam sat down with his back straight, his eyes fixed straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with him, his demeanor resembling that of a fighting rooster.

“Since Hu Xiaobao has already established his foundation, Senior Brother Zixiang no longer needs to guard Tianshan. One Foundation Establishment cultivator is enough to guard it. I know you are not interested in those worldly affairs, so I transferred you here. You can focus on your cultivation here and don’t have to worry about worldly matters.”

"If there's nothing else, Sect Leader, I'll take my leave." Lin Zixiang stood up expressionlessly.

Song Xian originally wanted to have a good talk with him, but seeing his attitude, he decided not to say what he wanted to say.

"Alright, Senior Brother Zixiang, please get some rest."

Lam Chi-cheung turned and left. Watching his departing figure, Song Xian shook his head.

It's unclear when it started, but the gap between the two seems to be widening.

.........

Night fell, and the moon was dark and the wind was high.

In the brightly lit hall of Luoyun Sect, Jin Yuanxing entered with a professional smile on his face. His gaze swept over the pale-faced middle-aged man sitting inside, and he bowed and said, "Fellow Daoist Pang, it's been many years and you still look as dashing as ever."

"Fellow Daoist Jin, how have you been?" The man rose to return the greeting, and the two chatted for a few moments before taking their seats.

"Fellow Daoist Jin, I have come here on the orders of our sect leader to sincerely invite your sect to our celebratory banquet. I presume you have already heard that our sect leader has broken through to the Golden Core realm and has decided to hold a grand banquet for seven days to entertain the guests from Xijiang County." The man handed over a golden invitation card.

Jin Yuanxing accepted the invitation and replied with a smile, "It is truly a cause for celebration that your sect leader has broken through to the Golden Core Realm. I have heard that the Yunxuan Sect helped you find a spiritual vein for this breakthrough. Is this true?"

"Fellow Daoist Jin, your information is quite accurate! Indeed, our sect leader's breakthrough to the Golden Core stage was aided by the Yunxuan Sect. To be honest, the Yunxiao Sect leader in Huayang County has a connection with Senior Qi of the Yunxuan Sect. Senior Qi introduced our sect leader to the Yunxiao Sect with a letter, which is why our sect leader was able to achieve the Golden Core stage at their mountain gate."

Jin Yuanxing's expression remained unchanged, but he was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected that Yunxiao Sect and Yunxuan Sect would actually get together.

As for the old friend the man mentioned, anyone with eyes could see that it was just an excuse. Even if Qi Yunxuan and the Yunxiao Sect leader had a past relationship, they wouldn't allow Zhuang Buyi, the leader of the Fengxing Sect who had no connection with them, to go to his sect to form a core.

The only possibility is that Yunxuan Sect and Yunxiao Sect have secretly reached some agreement. Considering that Zhuang Buyi immediately announced an alliance with Yunxuan Sect after he formed his core, it is clear that the three parties must have agreed on some conditions.

This is no small matter; it could very well have a significant impact on the political landscape of Xijiang County and even Xishu Prefecture.

Yunxiao Sect is the leading sect in Huayang County, and its power is even greater than that of Yushou Sect. If Yunxiao Sect has decided to support Yunxuan Sect, Yushou Sect alone is no match for it, unless Xuanyuan Sect intervenes to prevent Yunxiao Sect from extending its reach into Xijiang County.

However, since Emperor Yunxuan settled in Xijiang County, Emperor Xuanyuan has turned a blind eye to the unrest in Xijiang County. Will Emperor Xuanyuan take action to stop it, contrary to his usual behavior?
Jin Yuanxing keenly sensed that this matter was not simple and that there must be some hidden story behind it. Something must have happened to make Yunxiao Sect and Yunxuan Sect work together.

Otherwise, it would be highly unusual that Yunxiao Sect didn't get involved in the fierce battle between Yunxuan Sect and Beast Taming Sect before, but now they are secretly reaching some kind of agreement with Yunxuan Sect.

"Yunxiao Sect? I never expected that Fellow Daoist Zhuang would go to Yunxiao Sect to form his core. No wonder I didn't hear a word about this before. Since Yunxiao Sect has allowed Fellow Daoist Zhuang to form his core at their mountain gate, their relationship with Yunxuan Sect must be extraordinary. Could it be that the two sects are also going to form an alliance?" After a moment of silence, Jin Yuanxing asked tentatively.

The man surnamed Pang remained calm and said, "I don't know about that, but as far as I know, the relationship between the Yunxiao Sect leader and the Yunxuan Sect leader is indeed extraordinary. Otherwise, how could Senior Qi of the Yunxuan Sect have sent our sect leader to his sect to form his core with just a letter?"

"So, if war breaks out again in Xijiang County in the future, Yunxiao Sect might lend Yunxuan Sect a hand?"

The man did not answer directly: "Actually, besides inviting your sect to the wedding banquet, the sect leader of our sect sent me here to discuss another matter."

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(I'd like to ask for leave tomorrow.)
(End of this chapter)