After the path was cut off

As night fell, lights gradually illuminated the Seventh Peak.

Outside Qingyun Xiaozhu, the clouds and mist were thinned by the night wind, revealing a small platform nestled on the mountainside.

The platform is built on the cliff, with railings on the outside and a long table of spirit wood inside. Several jade lamps hang around it, their light reflected in the night mist like warm lights floating in the mountains.

There will be no evening classes or discussions of scriptures here today.

Only one small banquet was held.

It was called a banquet, but it was really just a few tables of spiritual fruits, a couple of jugs of spiritual wine, and a few dishes of perfectly warm spiritual dishes freshly delivered from the kitchen. It wasn't a large event, and there weren't many people attending, but no one on the Seventh Peak dared to treat it as an ordinary gathering.

Because those who came tonight were all outer sect Foundation Establishment cultivators who were truly qualified to speak on the matter of the Yunmeng Spiritual Land recently.

The host of this small banquet was, on the surface, Gu Xiangyang.

But it was Liu Ruyan who truly took care of everything and made sure everything was in order.

She wasn't dressed particularly extravagantly tonight, still in that misty blue long dress, but with her hair up and a beauty mark on it. It wasn't overly formal, nor did it invite disrespect.

She is standing at the entrance of the suspended platform, personally welcoming guests.

"Senior Brother Liu."

Liu Ruyan raised her hand to fold her sleeves and greeted him with a smile.

"It's been a long time. Senior Brother, you are even more impressive than before. I heard a while ago that you had mastered a new Water Virtue Divine Power. I was thinking of visiting you another day to learn from you. I never expected to meet you here today."

The middle-aged cultivator, addressed as Senior Brother Liu, laughed heartily and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Junior Sister Liu is still so good at talking. What do you mean by asking for advice? It's nothing but a trivial matter, nothing compared to the current prominence of your Seventh Peak."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted towards the suspended platform, his tone seemingly relaxed, but his eyes revealing a probing look.

It's at the height of its popularity.

These four characters have become almost synonymous with the Seventh Peak in the past half month, especially in the last few days.

First, there was a sudden large-scale borrowing of immortal techniques. Then, rumors spread that the Seventh Peak had made contact with Li Wangxiang, the true disciple who had returned from the deadly Northern Chen. After that, it was even rumored that Li Wangxiang had entrusted the Seventh Peak to bid for a spiritual land.

Even before Yunmeng Daze has officially opened for business, the name of the Seventh Peak has already become a hot topic.

Liu Ruyan seemed not to understand the probing in his words, and simply smiled as she led him inside:

"The fact that Senior Brother is willing to come is already a great honor for the Seventh Peak. As for whether it's a big deal or not, that's just what's being said outside. When the bidding actually takes place, we'll have to see how much real skill each side has."

After hearing this, Senior Brother Gu was polite on the surface, but in his heart he was disdainful.

He played the fool to deceive others, and he really knew how to do it. Behind the scenes, this woman sent people to the top of the mountain three times to warn him to give up his immortal skills.

He didn't say anything more, just chuckled and followed her lead to his seat.

Not long after, two more people stepped onto the suspended platform.

One was from the Sixth Peak, and the other was a steward of the General Affairs Hall; both were considered prominent figures in the outer sect. Liu Ruyan clearly knew their temperaments very well, and her words were impeccable as she greeted and saw them off, her smiles always perfectly timed.

She didn't mention that exceptional spiritual land, nor did she mention Li Wangxiang.

Yet, in every polite remark, it was as if they were gently touching the most sensitive spot in those people's hearts.

The banquet held at the Seventh Peak today was not intended to conceal anything.

Quite the opposite.

It's to let everyone see what kind of stance the Seventh Peak is taking now.

Gu Xiangyang had already taken his seat on the suspended platform.

Today he wore a dark blue robe, his expression calm and composed. He spoke little, only rising to return the greetings of the guests, his demeanor more measured than usual. If someone unaware of the situation saw this, they might truly believe that the Seventh Peak was already a sure thing, and that he had even cultivated the aura of a sect leader ahead of time.

Standing beside him was a servant who remained almost completely silent throughout.

This servant was naturally an illusion created by Li Wangxiang. The magic mirror perfectly concealed his true state, and even the various illusions he used were flawless. This was an unexpected benefit.

The atmosphere at the banquet seemed peaceful at first glance, but in reality, every sip of tea and every polite greeting carried a hint of probing.

"Senior Brother Gu has certainly made a grand move this time." A Foundation Establishment cultivator picked up his teacup, a half-smile on his face, and said, "I heard that the Seventh Peak is even planning to swallow up the three top-grade spiritual lands of Woye, Jing Shui Bay, and Yanbo Ferry in one gulp?"

Liu Ruyan always greeted people with a smile.

"Senior brother is joking. Who wouldn't want a top-grade spiritual land? Does that mean others are allowed to covet it, while we, the Seventh Peak, are not allowed to have even a slight interest?"

"Aspirations?" another person chimed in, their eyes scrutinizing him. "We also have aspirations, but alas, our strength is insufficient!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan's smile deepened.

"I don't quite understand what you mean, Senior Brother. The bidding for the sacred ground hasn't even started yet, and the immortal cultivation techniques haven't been fully revealed. How can you all have already decided the outcome for my Seventh Peak?"

She spoke lightly, as if joking, but the eyes of many people in the room changed immediately.

This woman was definitely doing it on purpose.

She just wants to gradually bring this secret to the surface.

Just then, a series of unhurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the platform.

Liu Ruyan looked up, and the smile on her lips finally faded slightly.

There were three people who came.

The leader was tall and thin with slightly deep brow bones. He wore a black robe with gold patterns. He walked slowly and his expression was not arrogant, but he had an imposing aura that was hard for others to ignore.

The two followed behind, one on the left and one on the right. Although they did not speak, their auras were both refined and steady, clearly indicating that they were not ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The previously relaxed atmosphere on the platform suddenly became tense.

Someone recognized the leader, and their eyes immediately narrowed.

The first peak, Gu Chenglan.

This person is extremely famous in the outer sect, not because of his highest cultivation level or the best background, but because he is always too steady in his actions, as steady as a stone pressing down on the center of a chessboard. You know exactly what path he will take, but you just can't stop him.

Liu Ruyan stepped forward half a step and greeted him with a smile:

"Senior Brother Gu."

Gu Chenglan, not being impolite, nodded slightly.

"If Junior Sister Liu hosts a banquet and I don't attend, it would seem like I'm disrespecting the Seventh Peak."

The words were polite and the tone was even, but everyone in the room could tell that there wasn't much genuine warmth in them.

Liu Ruyan, however, seemed oblivious to what she was saying, and led the people inside with a smile:

"It is already an honor that you, Senior Brother, have come. Tonight, it is just a few fellow disciples sitting down for a cup of tea. There is no need to talk about face or anything like that."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenglan glanced indifferently at everyone present, finally settling on Gu Xiangyang in the main seat, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Want some tea?"

"I thought the Seventh Peak was going to hold a victory celebration banquet ahead of schedule today."

The moment those words were spoken, the platform fell silent.

Even the few outer sect foundation-building cultivators who had been holding teacups and pretending not to care unconsciously straightened their backs a bit.

Gu Chenglan came very directly, without even bothering to test the waters.

Gu Xiangyang glanced at him, his expression unchanged, and said only:

"The sacred site hasn't been decided yet, so what's the point of celebrating? Senior Brother Gu, you're making these remarks far too early."

Before Gu Chenglan could speak, a young man behind him chuckled softly.

"Morning?"

"But rumors are circulating that Seventh Peak now possesses abundant immortal skills and has received the favor of a true disciple. In this bidding for spiritual land, all the other peaks will have to rely on Seventh Peak's whims?"

The words “the true teachings are highly valued” were pronounced very softly, yet they were heard exceptionally clearly.

Many people on the platform had a slightly different expression.

Liu Ruyan's fingers twitched slightly in her sleeve, but her smile grew even gentler.

"A few rumors, are they really worth putting on the table?"

"Today we've hosted a banquet to drink wine and tea, and to exchange our thoughts. After the bidding for the sacred land, everyone will be going their separate ways. Let's not cause any unpleasantness."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenglan finally sat down slowly.

When he sat down, the two people behind him did not immediately take their seats, but instead placed an ebony box on the table.

The box wasn't large, but it made a very deep, muffled sound when it fell.

The sound was not soft; it was like a hammer blow to everyone's hearts.

Gu Chenglan, however, acted as if he had just casually brought an ordinary item, gently pushing the ebony box to the side of the table.

"I came in a hurry today and didn't prepare a proper gift."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and lifted the lid of the box.

The box contained more than ten jade tablets, each gleaming with a faint spiritual light; they were all tablets used to seal immortal techniques.

The room fell silent for a moment, then several pairs of eyes involuntarily fell upon it.

Liu Ruyan glanced at him, and her heart sank.

Gu Chenglan seemed oblivious to everyone's reactions, simply picking up his teacup and speaking in a flat tone:

"These days, the name Yunmeng has become too popular."

"I originally didn't want to pay attention to this. But since all the peaks have already turned their attention to it, it's better to say some things sooner rather than later."

Gu Xiangyang looked up at him.

"Since you have something to say, Senior Brother Gu, please speak plainly."

Gu Chenglan smiled faintly.

"Rumors are circulating that Li Wangxiang intends to compete for a sacred site and establish a celestial sect. Gu Shidi has also been frequently visiting the General Affairs Hall lately, borrowing celestial power; his actions are quite extravagant."

"I originally thought it was just a rumor. But after seeing this banquet today, I realize that this time, Seventh Peak is truly assured of victory."

He paused, and his gaze finally fell on Gu Xiangyang.

"There's just one thing that I still can't figure out."

"Although Yunmeng is vast, there are only a few truly worthwhile plots of land. If both of our families focus on the same few places and fight over them, in the end, it will only be others who benefit from them."

The platform fell silent for a moment.

Gu Chenglan, however, remained unhurried.

"Your Seventh Peak has a true disciple watching over you."

"Even my First Peak isn't without support."

"If we know this is the case, it would be foolish to push each other to the point of mutual destruction."

As soon as those words were spoken, everyone in the room understood.

The steward from the General Affairs Hall slowly set down his teacup, his tone low but subtly angry:

"Gu Chenglan".

"Today is a banquet held at the Seventh Peak, not a meeting of ordinary officials. Some things have been said enough."

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across Gu Chenglan and Gu Xiangyang's faces, his tone carrying a warning.

"The bidding for spiritual land is about the future development and establishment of sects, not about the two peaks arranging a private feast."

"If this idea is really brought into the game the day after tomorrow, I'm afraid it will be difficult for anyone to handle the situation."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chenglan finally looked up at him, but her expression didn't change much.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

"What Mr. Gu just wanted to say was that rather than raising the price to the point of embarrassment for both sides, it's better to think things through beforehand."

Upon hearing this, even the steward's expression changed slightly.

These words struck a chord with everyone present.

In the corner, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the sixth peak finally couldn't help but take a low breath and say in a low voice:

"Is he planning to divide the food beforehand?"

The person next to him didn't even lift his eyelids, only replying in a low voice:

"It's not about separating seats."

"I'm telling you—there wasn't a third chair prepared for this table."

On the other side, someone else gripped a teacup, their expression somber:

"If the two companies truly avoid each other, then what's the point of the bidding war the following day?"

"Compete?" Someone smirked, their voice barely audible. "I think we don't even need to go. We can just buy them from those two peaks later."

"This rule is likely to be broken."

This last sentence, spoken so softly, was like a needle, silently piercing everyone's heart.

Because everyone knows he's telling the truth.

Liu Ruyan stood between the lamplight and the mist, never interrupting the whispers of those around her.

She simply lowered her eyes, gently adjusting her cuffs, as if listening, yet also as if she heard nothing at all. Only the fingers hidden in her sleeve had unconsciously tightened slightly.

She had actually considered this aspect when she laid out the plan.

But she originally thought that this secret would not be revealed until the day the market actually opened.

But to my surprise, Gu Chenglan came so fiercely tonight.

A box of immortal techniques was placed on the table, and with a few words, the layer of skin that was originally covered was gradually peeled away and revealed to everyone.

Gu Xiangyang finally spoke again.

"The Seventh Peak understands what Senior Brother Gu means."

"It's easy to understand, but Yunmeng hasn't opened for business yet, and the sacred land hasn't been assigned. It's too early to divide the future situation in half now."

Gu Chenglan looked at him, but was not annoyed. She simply said:

Whether it's early or not, we'll see in two days.

"I've come tonight with no other intention than to offer you all a reminder—"

His gaze slowly swept over the crowd on the platform, his tone calm and almost imperceptible:

"In some situations, once the true master steps into the fray, it's no longer something ordinary disciples can compete for."