I don't want to be trained by my senior sister!

The next morning, Fang Xuan woke up from his meditation and felt a little unwell.

I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong, but I just don't have that refreshed feeling I had yesterday morning.

As usual, I practiced my sword in the courtyard for a while, getting familiar with the more agile sword techniques enhanced by the new spiritual bone.

The black sword seemed quite satisfied with the spiritual power generated by this new bone, and its fierce aura became much milder.

After finishing his practice, he casually tossed the sword aside.

Just as I finished tidying up, the disciple's jade token in my storage ring glowed faintly, a message from the main peak.

Lu Qingsong sent it directly, asking him to attend a meeting at the main hall of the summit.

A meeting?

Fang Xuan knew in his heart that this was probably related to the death of a bunch of elite disciples in the secret realm a few days ago.

He walked out of the room, and Ning Qianye was in the courtyard.

She wore a simple blue dress, her long hair still tied up with the same wooden hairpin, and her cool eyes looked at him.

"Senior sister, Lu Qingsong asked me to go to the main peak," Fang Xuan said.

"Mm," Ning Qian responded, and walked naturally to his side, her meaning clear: together.

Fang Xuan did not stop him.

He knew Ning Qian was definitely worried.

The two walked out of the valley side by side.

.......

We reached the main peak.

Ning Qian was still worried that Fang Xuan would do something foolish, so she grabbed his wrist and said, "Don't think about killing Lu Qingsong."

"If I want to think about it... then it'll be later. I'll come back and resolve it later."

Fang Xuan was taken aback, not expecting his senior sister to still remember what he had said when he had deliberately provoked her.

However, that was his original idea as well.

"Okay, sure..."

Ning Qian glanced at him, seemingly wanting to confirm whether he had really given up on the idea, and finally gently withdrew her hand.

"I'll be waiting for you here..."

.......

The atmosphere in the main hall was much more somber than usual.

The hall was already filled with people, including the peak masters, elders, and a few core disciples.

Fang Xuan found an inconspicuous corner to sit down and observed quietly.

Sect Master Lu Qingsong sat in the main seat, still with that refined and composed demeanor, but there was a hint of gloom between his brows.

After all, those disciples who died were nominally the future pillars of the Qingyun Sect, representing a "major loss" under his rule as sect leader.

The theme of the meeting was, as expected, the follow-up to the incident in the secret realm, and... the upcoming "Southern Frontier Forum".

Although the Southern Frontier is the smallest of the five regions, it still covers tens of thousands of miles, with numerous large and small kingdoms and a complex web of sects and families.

This "Southern Frontier Daoist Conference" is held every ten years and is hosted by several of the strongest sects in rotation.

On the surface, it is a grand event for the younger generation to exchange ideas and showcase the strengths of various forces.

In reality, it's a redivision of territories and a battle for control over resources.

As a recognized powerful sect in the Southern Frontier, the Qingyun Sect has always dominated the various sects in previous Dao Discussion Conferences.

This is not just about saving face, but also about real interests.

Top-ranked sects receive more resources, attract better talents, and even gain the attention of major powers in the other four regions.

However, now, almost an entire generation of elite disciples has been lost in the secret realm, resulting in a serious gap in the younger generation.

Whether the Qingyun Sect can maintain its leading position in this Daoist Conference is hard to say.

Once the rankings drop, the news will spread throughout the Southern Frontier, dealing a heavy blow to the reputation of the Qingyun Sect, and the subsequent chain reaction will be unimaginable.

The people inside the hall argued incessantly.

Some advocate keeping a low profile, sending fewer people, acting discreetly, and prioritizing the preservation of core talent.

Those who hold firm to their principles must exert all their strength and spare no expense to maintain the sect's dignity.

In the end, Lu Qingsong made the final decision: "In this debate, quality is more important than quantity. My Qingyun Sect will be represented by Fang Xuan and... Wu Hao."

Lu Qingsong continued, "These two are both at the Void Core Realm, in their prime, enough to bring glory to Qingyun! They will depart in three days to attend the conference in Tianlan Kingdom, which will last for half a month."

"I do not seek to be the best in everything, but I must demonstrate my lofty character and not tarnish the reputation of my sect."

The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.

Lu Qingsong called out to Fang Xuan separately: "Junior Nephew Fang, please wait and come with me."

Fang Xuan thought to himself: They've arrived.

He followed Lu Qingsong to the back of the main hall.

Lu Qingsong stood with his hands behind his back by the Spirit Pool, his back to Fang Xuan.

After a moment of silence, he slowly asked, "When did you break through to the Golden Core stage?"

Fang Xuan replied, "It was just luck."

"A lucky break?" Lu Qingsong turned around and smiled.

"A seventeen-year-old Golden Core cultivator—how can mere luck describe that? Junior Nephew Fang, you are excellent, even better than I expected, hahaha."

His words seemed to have a hidden meaning, but Fang Xuan pretended not to understand and continued to maintain a humble attitude.

Lu Qingsong seemed quite satisfied with his attitude.

"This debate in the Southern Frontier is related to the reputation of our sect, and even more so to the fact that the Qingyun Sect will receive offerings from the royal families of the mortal realm."

"I have high hopes for you, so naturally I can't let you leave empty-handed." As Lu Qingsong spoke, he suddenly raised his hand and waved.

The long dragon in the pool suddenly raised its head from the surface of the water.

He then casually made a grabbing motion in mid-air.

"Roar—!" The long dragon let out a painful roar, its huge body churning violently, causing the pool water to boil.

A palm-sized scale, shimmering with a reddish-gold luster, was forcibly peeled off from the reverse scale under the long dragon's neck!

The blood instantly stained a section of the pool red.

The long dragon was in extreme pain and suddenly raised its head.

Lightning flashed from its two horns, as if it were about to rebel.

"Noisy." Lu Qingsong frowned slightly and casually waved his other hand.

An invisible force pressed down, and the dragon's proud head was slammed against the edge of the pool. After struggling for a few moments, it went completely limp.

Lu Qingsong acted as if he had done something insignificant, taking the blood-stained crimson-gold reverse scale into his hand and then handing it to Fang Xuan.

"This dragon has a thin layer of dragon blood. This reverse scale is the essence of its body. It is extremely tough and contains its life essence and a trace of dragon might."

"Keep it close to your body; in a critical moment, it will be enough to block a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Fang Xuan's heart stirred slightly. A strike from a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator?

The value of this reverse scale is immeasurable, yet Lu Qingsong was willing to give it to him.

But he remained outwardly calm.

He took the scale; it was heavy in his hand, and the vast energy it contained startled him.

"Sect Master, this item is far too precious, and I am unworthy to accept it... Moreover, although the Dao Discussion Conference is for friendly exchanges, if this item is used, I'm afraid..." He hesitated before continuing.

Lu Qingsong looked at him, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

That's exactly the kind of "know-it-all" and "sensible" reaction he wanted from Fang Xuan.

"Take it." Lu Qingsong's tone left no room for doubt. "I have my reasons for giving it to you."

"The Daoist Conference is ostensibly a friendly exchange, but you are well aware of the hidden dangers. Only with this item protecting me can I feel at ease."

He paused, then lowered his voice slightly: "As for Wu Hao... kill him no matter what."

That was his real purpose.

The reason for giving him the "reverse scale" was that Wu Hao naturally had many backup plans, and he wanted to ensure that Fang Xuan succeeded without any mistakes.

Lu Qingsong, seemingly afraid that he might harbor resentment, patted his shoulder with a light touch: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. If Wu Hao were to unexpectedly perish during the discussion, who could hold him accountable?"

As for the sect... I have my own arrangements. You just need to remember, no matter what Wu Hao says he has to rely on..."

He leaned closer, his voice icy:

"Kill them all."

After speaking, without waiting for Fang Xuan's response, Lu Qingsong seemed to change his expression again, reverting to his refined and gentle demeanor.

He took a storage bag from his sleeve and put it in Fang Xuan's hand.

"Here are some elixirs and talismans, as well as a flying artifact that I used in my younger days. They should be of help to you on this trip."

"Prepare well. We will depart in three days. Upon our return, we will promote you to the position of Young Sect Master and prepare you to take charge of the Qingyun Sect in the future."

He looked at Fang Xuan and became more and more satisfied.

A sharp, easy-to-use knife that looks easy to control.

Fang Xuan lowered his head and bowed, saying, "This disciple obeys and will certainly not fail the sect leader's trust."

"Very good, go ahead." Lu Qingsong waved his hand with satisfaction.

.......