Gao Wu: Oh no! Young Master Zhen is a cultivator!

Upon arriving at the mountain gate, a magnificent white jade archway stands at the end of the mountain path.

The archway is inscribed with three ancient characters, "Qingxuan Sect," with a flowing spiritual light and a restrained sword intent.

Two Foundation Establishment disciples stood on either side, long swords hanging at their waists, their auras calm and composed.

One of the disciples quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "May I ask what brings you to my Qingxuan Sect, senior?"

Lin Ran announced loudly, "Ye Fan of the Heavenly Sword Sect has come to pay a visit to Senior Lu Wangchuan of the Azure Profound Sect."

Upon hearing Lu Wangchuan's name, the Foundation Establishment disciple became even more respectful: "Senior, please wait a moment, this junior will go and inform him immediately."

After saying that, he turned around and ran quickly up the stone steps toward the mountain gate.

Lin Ran stood outside the mountain gate, his hands behind his back, surveying the surrounding mountains.

The Qingxuan Sect has chosen an excellent location, where spiritual energy gathers throughout the entire mountain range, and array patterns flow between the overlapping peaks.

The palaces and pavilions in the mountains are scattered in a well-organized manner, with pavilions and waterside terraces dotting the landscape, creating a remarkable atmosphere.

"As expected of a first-class sect in Cangyan Continent, its foundation is indeed profound," Lin Ran thought to himself.

He had previously sent Yunmo back with false information, and then promised to visit later using his Xuan Yang Sect identity.

Now that I've come here posing as someone from the Heavenly Sword Sect, I can take this opportunity to find out what's going on with Yun Mo.

If this guy isn't suspected, he can use his identity as a disciple of the Xuan Yang Sect to cover up the lie later.

If Yunmo is already suspected, then he should be moved away first to prevent more things from being exposed later.

Before long, the Foundation Establishment disciple returned, followed by a Golden Core cultivator.

The man appeared to be in his thirties, with a handsome face, a refined demeanor, and a well-tailored blue robe.

"Brother Ye, my name is Lu Huai'an." The man bowed and smiled kindly. "My master went into seclusion yesterday and is temporarily unable to meet you. How about I accompany you on a tour of the Qingxuan Sect?"

Lin Ran raised an eyebrow: "Is Senior Lu truly in seclusion, or does he simply not want to see me?"

"Fellow Daoist, what are you saying?" Lu Huai'an's expression remained unchanged. "My grandmaster and your sect leader are old acquaintances. Why would he deliberately avoid seeing you?"

"Hehehe." Lin Ran chuckled lightly, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Brother Lu."

The two climbed the steps and entered the mountain gate.

Passing through the white jade archway, you are greeted by a wide bluestone avenue, with bamboo planted on both sides, its leaves rustling gently in the wind.

Further on, palaces and pavilions are built against the mountain, with upturned eaves and glazed tiles that gleam warmly in the sunlight.

Disciples came and went along the way, and when they saw Lu Huai'an, they all stopped and bowed.

Lu Huai'an led Lin Ran on a leisurely walk through the mountains, introducing the various scenic spots of the Qingxuan Sect along the way.

"Brother Ye, please look over there. That's Sunset Peak. Every evening, the sunset glow covers the entire peak, and the spiritual mist is dyed a crimson-gold color. It's quite a magnificent sight."

Lin Ran looked in the direction he was pointing and saw a solitary peak soaring into the clouds in the distance. A viewing pavilion could be vaguely seen on the top of the peak, with its eaves flying like wings, as if it were about to take flight.

"Truly extraordinary."

Lu Huai'an then pointed to the other side: "That is Listening to the Rain Cliff. The cliff is a hundred feet high, and a mountain spring cascades down from the top, filling the entire valley with mist. Whenever it rains, the rain beats against the bamboo forest, and the sound of the spring is like a zither. It is the most beloved quiet place for disciples of the sect to cultivate."

Lin Ran nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the cliff. Sure enough, he saw a white ribbon like a rainbow, the water mist reflecting a faint seven-colored halo in the sunlight.

"Further east is Mirror Lake," Lu Huai'an continued. "The lake water is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the entire sky. There is a stone pavilion in the center of the lake. When the lotus flowers bloom in summer, the lake is covered with green leaves, and the fragrance of the flowers can be smelled for miles."

"In winter, the lake freezes over, with the ice layer reaching several feet thick. The disciples practice their swordsmanship on the ice, and the sword light reflecting off the ice is a unique sight."

The two continued on their way, following a winding mountain path over a low ridge.

Behind the ridge lies a wide valley filled with various spiritual flowers.

It was the peak blooming season, with flowers as red as fire, as white as snow, and as purple as the sunset, layer upon layer covering the entire valley.

"This is Hundred Flowers Valley." Lu Huai'an smiled. "Flowers bloom in the valley all year round, and the spiritual energy is abundant. Many female disciples like to come here to pick flowers and make incense."

Lin Ran nodded in approval, but his eyes secretly scanned the surrounding terrain.

The Qingxuan Sect's terrain is extremely treacherous, surrounded by peaks, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Although the scenery was beautiful, it was also faintly marked by the formation.

If they were to launch a forced attack, it would be impossible to break through the mountain-protecting formation without the combat power of a Nascent Soul stage.

After walking for about half an hour, Lu Huai'an led Lin Ran to a viewing pavilion to rest.

The pavilion is built on the edge of a cliff, offering an extremely wide view.

Leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance, the entire Qingxuan Mountain Range comes into view.

The peaks are dark green, the sea of ​​clouds surges, and occasionally a crane flies across the clouds, its clear cry echoing through the valley.

The pavilion is stocked with fine tea, its aroma refreshing and pure.

The two sat down, and Lu Huai'an personally poured tea. He then changed the subject and asked the main question.

"May I ask what brings Brother Ye to my Qingxuan Sect?"

"Having heard that demons have been appearing in Cangyan Continent recently, I left the mountain gate to come out and subdue them." Lin Ran picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke casually.

"I recently arrived at the Qingxuan Mountains and had a misunderstanding with one of your sect's elders. Later, thanks to Senior Lu's mediation, we shook hands and made peace."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I have come to pay my respects today for two reasons: first, to see the scenery of the Qingxuan Sect, and second, to bid farewell to Senior Lu."

"I see." Lu Huai'an nodded slightly, his eyes flickering. "It's a pity that my master has gone into seclusion, and I'm afraid we won't be able to see him for a while."

"It's alright." Lin Ran waved his hand. "I'll just stay in the mountains for a few days and then leave on my own."

"That's good then." Lu Huai'an nodded, then his expression suddenly turned serious: "Speaking of which, our sect was also attacked by the demon race some time ago, and we even lost a Nascent Soul elder."

"Such a thing happened?" Lin Ran's face showed indignation. "These demons are truly despicable! Has the murderer been captured?"

"Sigh..." Lu Huai'an sighed softly, "The murderer is a member of the Golden Eagle clan, who comes and goes like the wind, making him impossible to find easily."

"That's a bit difficult." Lin Ran shook his head slightly.

It seems that Yunmo's false information has initially gained the trust of the Qingxuan Sect.

All that's missing is for him, a disciple of the Xuan Yang Sect, to come and pay his respects.

Of course, deception can only buy time.

To completely resolve the crisis, we must bring the Qingxuan Sect under our control.

If you can take control of a sect, it will be much easier to search for treasures in the future.

However, even with the combined efforts of Li Zhu and Wanwan, given his Golden Core cultivation level, he might not be able to take down the entire Qingxuan Sect.

Perhaps only after he breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage will he have the strength to fight back.

By then, the Xuanjiao should have broken through.

"Almost there, don't rush me." The voice of the Lord of Xuan Chen rang in his mind.

"Time is of the essence, you better step up!" Lin Ran urged silently.

"This Xuanjiao's foundation is still too weak. If it were a true dragon, it wouldn't be in so much trouble."

"Perhaps there are descendants of true dragons in the Cangxuan Realm?" Lin Ran said casually.

"Don't tell me, you really shouldn't tell me."

"The prerequisite is that we must first establish a firm foothold in the Qingxuan Sect."

"That means I need to break through as soon as possible."

"Smart." Lin Ran smiled slightly.

At that time, I, a Nascent Soul cultivator, will be able to create soldiers from beans, leading a group of Nascent Soul level golden-armored warriors, along with an eighth-order Xuanjiao and Ao Zheng.

With the help of Li Zhu Wanwan, who has already taken human form, taking down the Qingxuan Sect would be a piece of cake.

Thinking of this, Lin Ran couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Hehehe..."

Lu Huai'an paused, turned around, and asked, "Brother Ye?"

"Cough cough cough..." Lin Ran quickly suppressed his laughter: "The scenery here is so beautiful that I couldn't control myself for a moment. Please forgive me, Brother Lu."

"I see." Lu Huai'an nodded slightly, a hint of suspicion in his expression. "I thought Brother Ye was up to something."

"How could that be?" Lin Ran said seriously, "I am a true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, what bad ideas could I possibly have?"

"Hehe, just kidding, Brother Ye, don't take it seriously." Lu Huai'an smiled, stood up and said, "Since Brother Ye plans to stay for a few days, let me take you to the guest room first."

"Very well, thank you for your trouble, Brother Lu."