I, who was turned into a woman by the Jade Maiden Master, want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang.

Shangguan Qingxue was also shocked by the Golden Lotus Emerging from the Earth technique. However, since it suited her well, she was quite adept at learning it.

As for Nangong Yue, Qin Rufeng had nothing to teach her. At most, they could discuss things.

Qin Rufeng discovered that Nangong Yue's Crescent Flame Foot Knife and her Earth-Emerging Golden Lotus combined with the Lotus-Blossoming Step technique were similar in effect.

Chapter 203 Unexpected Person

The two women discovered that their techniques were actually quite similar.

The technique Nangong Yue practiced was called "Red Lotus Karmic Fire," which was secretly taught to her by the Vermilion Bird Saintess Ji Xuelan, who said it was a forbidden technique.

Nangong Yue and Qin Rufeng were close sisters, so naturally, Nangong Yue told Rufeng about the cultivation method of the Red Lotus Karmic Fire.

Qin Rufeng could hardly believe it; this [Red Lotus Karmic Fire] was almost 90% similar to the [Golden Lotus Emerging from the Earth]. The only difference was that the water elemental energy had been replaced with fire elemental energy.

Nangong Yue also felt that the Red Lotus Karmic Fire was not flexible enough and consumed too much spiritual energy, so she developed it into a combat technique called Foot Blade along the three Yin meridians of the foot.

How come the Jade Maiden Sect's Vermilion Bird Saintess's cultivation method is so similar to the Joyful Union Sect's Earth-Emerging Golden Lotus? Even Qin Rufeng's Earth-Emerging Golden Lotus was cultivated using the Xuanwu cultivation method of stepping on lotus flowers.

If this gets out, wouldn't it be very detrimental to the sect? He even called himself a disciple of the Hehuan Sect, which only tarnishes the sect's reputation.

Ru Feng thought to himself that he must try his best to avoid any connection with the Hehuan Sect in the future.

Qin Rufeng had nothing to offer his senior sister Nangong Yue, so he simply renamed the Nanshan Fire Domain to Vermilion Bird Peak and handed it over to Nangong Yue to manage entirely. The spirit herbs and fire butterflies underground were also considered her subordinates.

Not only that, Qin Rufeng also granted Nangong Yue and Shangguan Qingxue the authority to take on disciples. However, he also instructed them that character and loyalty were paramount, while aptitude was secondary.

A few days later, Shangguan Qingxue excitedly went to Qin Rufeng's place. She said she wanted to show Rufeng something good.

Qin Rufeng then followed Qingxue to the martial arts arena. The "good thing" wasn't anything new; it was the same jade carriage as before. Only this time, it came with a jade horse...

That jade horse... it was actually a person. It turned out this wasn't a horse-drawn carriage, but a rickshaw.

The woman pulling the cart stood gracefully, with a shapely figure. The long, golden whip was indeed just a decorative horsehair.

The hole in the hood is for the hair to come out. The long black hair, combined with the crest, makes it look like a mare's mane.

Although I couldn't see his face, he seemed somewhat familiar.

The fishnet stockings clung tightly to her snow-white thighs, and she wore hoof boots. Her hands were tied behind her back.

"This is..." Qin Rufeng was also somewhat at a loss.

Shangguan Qingxue understood Ru Feng's concerns as the leader of a sect, so she said, "I will demonstrate."

Then she got into the carriage and lashed out with her stiff riding whip.

With a whimper, the jade horse pulled the chariot along. Its long tail whipped with each step, and the headlights vibrated violently. The bells jingled incessantly, and its speed was astonishing. It seemed to leap through the air, soaring over the mountain peak in the blink of an eye.

Although Shangguan Qingxue was only temporarily taking refuge in the tiger's den, as the most beautiful courtesan, she knew a lot...

After riding in a carriage around Jinqiong Valley, Qingxue quickly returned to Qin Rufeng.

Ru Feng noticed a circular brand on Yu Ju's fair and rounded skin.

Shangguan Qingxue explained, "This is the Thousand-Mile Steed Seal. With this mark, one can travel a thousand miles a day by riding the clouds. Therefore, the Thousand-Mile Steed Seal is not only used by jade steeds. Some female cultivators who are not so concerned about it will also use it."

Although Qin Rufeng was not a saint, she did not want to use the jade carriage.

But she didn't want to disappoint her sister's good intentions for this reason, so she could only ask ambiguously what was going on.

Shangguan Qingxue was somewhat surprised, "Why would you ask such a question, Sect Leader Sister? You should know more than anyone else."

Qin Rufeng knew that Qingxue definitely didn't understand what she meant, so she smiled wryly and said, "I, how would I know about this? I've never ridden in this kind of carriage before."

“This is mimicry,” Shangguan Qingxue said. “If you can mimic the appearance of a fox, others can mimic the appearance of a horse.”

"It's just that your fox demon form has already reached the level of transformation. You probably don't even know how powerful that is."

"Just think about how many people mistake you for a fox spirit," Qingxue said with a smile. "You may take it for granted, but let me tell you, Yuju is the most common person to mistake you for a fox spirit."

"As for your fox-like appearance, Sister Sect Leader... it's astonishing. Many masters of mimicry might be able to do it for a moment, but no one can maintain it like you all day long. Now you've even mastered controlling it, becoming a true fox spirit."

Qin Rufeng: "Ah, this..."

Shangguan Qingxue continued, "Imitation is just an ordinary cultivation method, nothing special. What's truly powerful is the person who can imitate an image!"

Shangguan Qingxue then removed the hood from the driver.

"It's you!" Qin Rufeng was stunned. This person was none other than Luo Li, the third elder of the Wuxiang Sect, who had come to challenge them not long ago.

Luo Li knelt before Qin Rufeng, weeping, and said, "Sect Leader Liu! I have fallen into such a predicament. Please forgive me and accept me as your servant! I am willing to be your slave and work like a cow for you."

Qin Rufeng calmly said, "How could the dignified Third Elder of the Wuxiang Sect, the peerless Sword Fairy, stoop to be a slave, a mother... a cow or a horse?"

Then Ru Feng pulled Shangguan Qingxue aside and asked what happened.

Qingxue said, "Does the sect leader know that the sect leader of the Wuxiang Sect has been at the Crystal Cloud Realm for a long time? He ascended to immortality not long ago."

Qin Rufeng nodded. "I've heard that many sect leaders and elders from the major sects in Cangyun City have ascended to immortality."

“That’s right,” Qingxue said. “This is the third one this month.”

Qin Rufeng frowned and said, "This is not normal. Why are they all ascending in droves?"

Shangguan Qingxue said, "Based on speculation, it may be related to the collapse of the Heavenly Dao Ring."

"Great beings who cultivate to the Crystal Cloud Realm can actually ascend. However, many choose not to ascend because there is too little information about the Crystal Cloud Realm, and people do not know what it is like after ascension."

"Although the legend is very appealing, experts who can cultivate to the Crystal Cloud Realm have many things to consider. They will not make a choice easily."

"Moreover, the powerful beings in the Crystal Cloud Realm are often sect leaders or elders of high status. They also have too many attachments and are unwilling to ascend easily."

"After the Heavenly Dao Ring was broken, some people were unable to maintain their existence in the Flowing Cloud Realm and involuntarily ascended away. They could not stay even if they wanted to."

"The Cangyun Mountain area is located on the easternmost side of the West Ring, which is very close to the place where the Heavenly Dao Ring collapsed, so it is naturally more severely affected."

"How could this be?" Qin Rufeng sighed upon hearing the news. "Even so, has Luo Li, the dignified Third Elder of the sect, really fallen to this state?"

Shangguan Qingxue continued, "It is said that after the Wuxiang Sect Master ascended to immortality, internal strife broke out within the sect."

"The people from the major sects arrived first and quelled the situation. By the time the people from the Empress's Cloud Palace arrived, everything had been settled."

"The once mighty Wuxiang Sect has fallen apart. Many disciples and elders died in infighting... at least people from all the major sects agree that it was infighting."

"The survivors either escaped or joined other sects. By the time the people from Yunqi Ersanlingshi IX Niyansi arrived, they had already divided up all the magic treasures, cultivation techniques, and spirit stones."

“Some disciples even became slaves… After all, blood clouds mutate every few days in the spirit stone mine, and slaves are consumed like firewood.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Rufeng couldn't help but shake his head.

Shangguan Qingxue continued, "Given Luo Li's character, she has offended many people. Yet she was subdued by her own disciples and kidnapped to be sold to Qingyuefang."

"I spent 50 high-grade spirit stones to buy her."

Chapter 204 Strength is the only truth

Qin Rufeng thought for a moment and said, "This person is useful... at least the Wuxiang Sect techniques she possesses are useful to us."

“She’s quite useful,” Shangguan Qingxue said. “What a fine horse she is, let her pull the cart properly from now on.”

Qin Rufeng did not respond to the topic of "Yuju," but instead said, "However, someone as despicable as her could never possibly join the Xuan Nu Sect."

Shangguan Qingxue understood Qin Rufeng's meaning. She nodded and said with a smile, "Let her serve the Xuan Nu Sect, but not as a disciple or maid."

Qin Rufeng: "However..."

"Don't worry, I understand." Qingxue smiled. "The Jade Carriage is fine, but it still doesn't match the demeanor of a sect leader."

"It's alright, I'll just take her back to Qingyuefang. Whenever the sect leader wants to travel in the Jade Steed, we can ask her to prepare."

Qin Rufeng glanced at Luo Li, only to see her kneeling with her head on the ground. Only her high, round, snow-white ponytail stood up.

Looking at her humble appearance, and thinking of the graceful, beautiful, and smug sword fairy from before, Qin Rufeng couldn't help but sigh. How could she have fallen to this state in just a few days?

But Qin Rufeng was also very clear that this person was not truly submitting. She must be thinking of enduring for a while and then retaliating.

It's not surprising that she would have such thoughts. However, even if you were to do her the greatest favor and save her from dire straits, she would still think the same way and wouldn't feel the slightest bit of gratitude.

This can be seen in her humble yet resentful eyes. Therefore, she is not worthy of any sympathy.

Shangguan Qingxue took Yuju Luoli back to Qingyuefang. The annihilation of the Wuxiang Sect overnight also made Qin Rufeng keenly aware that the situation on Cangyun Mountain would become increasingly chaotic.

A few days later, news came from Yunxiao Palace. Empress Cangyun officially issued the "Purifying Cloud Decree".

The Cloud Envoy had previously leaked information to various sects in order to pave the way for the promulgation of the "Pure Cloud Decree".

This is a very clear signal: the Empress has declared a full-scale war against Blood Cloud.

The "Purifying Cloud Order" emphasized that the harm caused by the Blood Cloud had become so severe that it was urgent to address it. Therefore, it was necessary to take strong measures.

The first step is to completely break with the Red Moon Cult.

The existence of the Crimson Moon faith is forbidden in Cangyun City. All designated areas within and outside the city, including spirit stone mines, spirit herb gardens, forests, and secret realms, are off-limits to Crimson Moon cultists.

Then the Empress used an unusually strong tone, almost commanding, to demand that all the major sects contribute to the fight against the Blood Cloud.

As a reward, a certain amount of dried purple-gold jade flowers will be distributed to the sects that contributed their efforts.

As for sects that disobey orders... all preferential treatment in Cangyun City, such as the distribution of spirit stone mines, commercial operations, and slave trade, will be terminated. While the various resource plots already allocated will not be revoked, they will be subject to heavy taxes.

It's clear that the Empress has made a huge decision this time. And she's timed it perfectly…

Many sect leaders and elders of the major sects at the Crystal Cloud Realm have ascended to immortality. What consequences will this have? The Formless Sect is a prime example.

Why were the people from Empress Yunxiao Palace so late? And their lateness was just right, arriving just as the major sects had finished dividing up the spoils.

As for how the members of the Wuxiang Sect killed each other, the Empress believed whatever the other sects said.

This is a form of leniency towards the powerful sects that still possess strength. It's tantamount to pushing those sects, whose strength has been greatly diminished by the loss of their sect leaders and experts, into a desperate situation.

However, the Empress didn't tolerate everything. The Xuan Nu Sect was a different story. When various sects went to provoke them, the Empress directly dispatched the Cloud Envoy to the rescue. The various sects could only leave disappointed.

The Xuan Nu Sect and the Wu Xiang Sect... two completely different examples. It's clear to anyone with eyes to see that, amidst the collapse of the Heavenly Dao and the erosion of the Blood Clouds, Cangyun City is also quietly undergoing a transformation.

For a long time, the Empress has been very tolerant of the major sects. Although the major sects have their own agendas, they mostly stand on the same side when facing the Empress of Cangyun.

The basic principle is to acknowledge the Empress's status as "leader" and give her a certain amount of face. Nominally, they must obey orders, but in reality, even the Empress herself wouldn't use a commanding tone when speaking to the various sects.

The Empress treated all the major sects with kindness and courtesy. However, when it came to matters, the major sects would shirk their responsibilities, shamelessly vie for profits, and band together to resist whenever there was a disagreement.

He's like a dead pig that's not afraid of boiling water; he'll kick up a tantrum every now and then, and even bare his teeth when he's unhappy.

Perhaps only the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty on Earth could understand the Empress's predicament.

The reasons for this situation are complex and have historical roots. But ultimately, it boils down to a matter of balancing power.

The Empress's forces were not only insufficient to overwhelm the combined forces of the various sects, but they were simply no match for them. The reason the Empress had not been overthrown was that the various sects were not united and each had their own agendas.

But now, this situation is beginning to change...

Many sects have fallen into a similar predicament to the Wuxiang Sect. To survive and avoid being divided up by other sects, their only option is to seek help from the Empress… but the Empress will not intervene. She has clearly allowed the various sects to carve up the Wuxiang Sect.

Simply begging for help isn't enough; one must kowtow and grovel before the Empress. That practically means losing all autonomy and becoming her vassal.

Qin Rufeng wasn't quite sure what level of cultivation the Empress possessed, or why she hadn't ascended to immortality. He asked Gan Mingyue, but she didn't know either.

Although the so-called Empress Cangyun is only on the scale of a "city lord," "lord," or "little king" of Blue Star, she is still quite adept at political maneuvering.

However, the major sects are not fools. The power struggle between the two sides, both overt and covert, will continue.

Cangyun City faces both the overt crisis of being eroded by blood clouds and the undercurrents of power struggles surging beneath the surface. It seems things are far from peaceful...

This forced Qin Rufeng to consider how his Xuan Nu Sect could survive and thrive in such an environment. But no matter how the situation changed, strength was the only true measure of success. Improving their strength was the most urgent task at hand.

In fact, Qin Rufeng's actions had surprised everyone, including the Empress.

People originally thought she would use her stunning beauty and the reputation of the Qin Immortal to navigate between various sects and become a socially adept sect leader.

Who would have thought that she was solely focused on clearing the Blood Clouds, setting up grand formations, building infrastructure, and cultivating her skills? Not only did she not return to Qingyue Workshop even once more, but she also chose to withstand the coercion from various sects rather than compromise.

With such a strong-willed faction and the support of the Empress, no one is likely to provoke them in the short term.

However, Qin Rufeng also realized that he couldn't completely align himself with the Empress. What if the Empress won the political struggle, completely crushing the major sects and consolidating power in her own hands…

On the bright side, she did this to concentrate her forces against Blood Cloud. But as a human from Earth, Qin Rufeng had seen far too many cases of "the rabbit is killed after the hunt" and "the bow is put away after the birds are gone."

Regardless of the future, right now... the secret letter and gift from the Empress that came with the "Pure Cloud Order" already made Qin Rufeng frown.

Chapter 205: Refining Weapon Figurines?

The Empress hoped that the Xuan Nu Sect could regularly supply her with a certain number of dried Purple Gold Qiong flowers. After all, Qin Rufeng possessed the largest Purple Gold Qiong spiritual root in Cangyun Mountain.

Qin Rufeng anticipated that the amount of dried flowers donated to support the Purple Gold Qiong would fluctuate and increase...

In return for the advance payment, the Empress sent a very valuable gift: a type of spirit stone ore.

Although spirit stones are pure spiritual energy carriers without any attributes, they only exhibit their attribute-less properties after being mined and separated from the ore deposit.