Chapter 35 Part 1

In the Spirit Heart Sect.

Qi Wugua waited patiently for the final moment.

Months ago, the Zheng family of Xingyang City had sent someone to extend a courteous invitation. Compared to the Wang clan’s methods of killing at the slightest provocation, it was several times better. For one, the Zheng clan habitually used a humble facade to deceive others. For another, it was Feng Cangcang’s entrustment. Yet Qi Wugua understood clearly in her heart that the essence of the aristocratic families would never change. In their eyes, the master-disciple lineage was nothing but ants.

As for the Wang clan, their side was more interesting. They had split into two groups: one wanted revenge for the previous slight, while the others busied themselves distancing from that faction of villains, claiming those people were never truly Wang clansmen, just of incorrigible habits, and incessantly apologized to the Spirit Heart Sect. Of course, the ultimate goal was still to take Ying Shen’gao away.

Qi Wugua and her disciple had originally planned to refuse both sides. But then, a message came from the Chongyuan Sect, instructing her not to be overly firm in her stance, but rather to be ambiguous. She could accept whatever gifts the Wang and Zheng clans sent—after all, they were solid, tangible items that could strengthen one’s own power. Qi Wugua initially carried some psychological burden, but when she looked at the group of disciples in her sect who needed support, she let go of that bit of principle and began to equivocate between the Wang and Zheng clans.

Neither the Zheng nor the Wang clan would be toyed with in the palm of her hand forever. Even if they wanted to take Ying Shen’gao away without mortally offending the Spirit Heart Sect, their tolerance had a limit. Now, the Daoists from both families would no longer allow her to straddle the fence. With the point of tearing off all pretenses fast approaching, Qi Wugua’s attitude completely softened. She chose the Zheng clan, who were more humble and courteous and held no grudge against the Spirit Heart Sect.

Naturally, Qi Wugua had a condition: she proclaimed a mortal feud had been formed with the Wang clan. Given the vengeful nature of the Wang Daoists, who would certainly retaliate for any slight, they would surely seize the chance to launch a sneak attack on the Spirit Heart Sect. Only if the Zheng clan resolved this problem for the Spirit Heart Sect could they take Ying Shen’gao away.

The Zheng clan, in truth, was unwilling to fight the Wang clan to the bitter end, unless they had a foolproof plan. But the Feng clan was pressing them urgently. If they could gain the favor of the Feng clan, the benefits they would reap would be immense, enough to firmly suppress Langya City. The Zheng clan Daoists were not unaware of Qi Wugua’s intention to borrow a knife to kill, but for the long-term survival of the family, some paths had to be walked.

However, the Zheng clan was also unwilling to be used by the Spirit Heart Sect forever. After several rounds of haggling with Qi Wugua, they finally agreed: the Zheng clan’s Golden Core Daoists would unconditionally take action for the Spirit Heart Sect three times.

At the Wang clan’s Langya City.

Whether it was those who harbored thoughts of forcible seizure from the start, or those who chose to use etiquette to sway Qi Wugua, all were especially furious upon learning she favored the Zheng clan. The clan elders, who were habitually at odds, rarely reached a consensus on dealing with the Spirit Heart Sect. As long as the Spirit Heart Sect was eliminated and that person was forcibly abducted back to the Wang family, there would be nothing the Zheng clan could do. They wouldn’t launch a deadly attack on the Wang clan, would they? The Feng clan had already lost Cangwu City; they would never allow the Zheng clan to do such a thing.

But before making their move, the Wang clan elders still carefully crafted a plan. They would launch a surprise attack on the Spirit Heart Sect, but had to be prepared to face the Zheng clan Daoists. If the Zheng clan intended to take Ying Shen’gao, they would likely give the Spirit Heart Sect some face and help them a few times. Yet this help would be limited. The three Golden Core Daoists of the Zheng clan wouldn’t all take action; at most, they would send one or two to garrison. The Zheng Daoists plus Qi Wugua meant the Wang clan couldn’t casually dispatch just any Golden Core; they would have to move with the full strength of the entire clan.

A bright moonlit night, the mountain wind bitingly cold.

Outside the Spirit Heart Sect’s mountain gate, the Wang clan Daoists silently descended. Amidst the eerie hoots of night owls, their figures were like wraiths.

In the hazy night, the steep canyons twisted like a crouching dragon, and the jagged peaks thrust toward the sky like long halberds, as if to cleave the silver moon in two.

At that moment.

Chongyuan Sect.

The Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Daoists were already in position.

Although Wei Mingyi had not yet reached Foundation Establishment, she was the key figure, so she was also in the ranks. Standing beside her was Wu Chongyun, looking languid. No one had asked her to act; she had come of her own volition.

The bright moon gradually shifted toward the zenith.

In the direction of the Spirit Heart Sect, a brilliant flash of light suddenly erupted. The Dharma Talisman carried by Su Xuanjing also began to emit a dazzling light. Su Xuanjing’s expression turned solemn as she realized the moment had arrived.

“Go! To Xingyang City!”

To take Ying Shen’gao, the Zheng clan had dispatched two Golden Core Daoists there. In their main clan territory, only the patriarch, at Golden Core 3rd Layer, remained to guard. How far the close-quarters combat between the Zheng and Wang clans would escalate was still uncertain. The Chongyuan Sect’s plan was precisely to exploit the absence of Golden Core Daoists from the Zheng clan’s territory to seize Xingyang City.

Between Ying Shen’gao and the clan grounds, the Zheng Daoists would absolutely choose the latter. However, Qi Wugua possessed a Profound-Tier magical artifact that could temporarily trap the Golden Core Daoists of both the Wang and Zheng clans. Given the fragile relationships between the aristocratic families, the Wang clan would likely be delighted to see the Zheng clan decline. If the Wang clan had any fear of shared peril, it would have been impossible for them to step foot into the Spirit Heart Sect that night.

Wei Mingyi wasn’t worried about any mishap. In her understanding, the Sect Leader, at Golden Core 3rd Layer, possessed the power to slaughter through both the Zheng and Wang clans. She turned her head toward Wu Chongyun, opening her mouth with a hint of worry: “Shizun, you—”

Wu Chongyun cast her a faint glance, cutting her off: “Too many words.”

Wei Mingyi fell silent.

Although over these past months, when her master trained her, she had revealed a true depth of ability as unfathomable as the abyss, Wei Mingyi hadn’t forgotten that she was merely a minor Daoist of the Meridian Opening stage. Even a severely wounded Nascent Soul cultivator could beat her to the brink of death. Yet now they were about to face the Zheng clan, which contained a Golden Core Daoist at the 3rd Layer, just one step away from Nascent Soul. What if that person, by some blind chance, bumped into her master?

Before Wei Mingyi could continue, her vision dimmed. Her Meridian Opening stage cultivation couldn’t perfectly control a flight-light; traveling swiftly to Xingyang City required someone to carry her along. At this moment, she was enveloped by the Great Luotian Sleeve, that divine ability for transporting others.

Xingyang City of the Zheng Clan.

The entire city was the Zheng family’s domain. Without the Zheng clan’s permission, not even other cultivators could come and go, let alone mortals. The city lights blazed, remaining bright all night. At the very center was the manor occupied by the Zheng Clan Patriarch. A banquet was underway, the guest of honor naturally being Feng Cangcang, representing the Feng clan, along with several Daoists holding low-level Deacon positions in the Heavenly Dao Alliance.

Ever since her arrival, Feng Cangcang had lodged with the Zheng family. She was extremely particular about her food and attire, demanding this and that at the drop of a hat. The Zheng clansmen grumbled privately about her greed, but whenever they were face-to-face, they plastered on fawning smiles. To the Zheng clan, such people were the easiest to fool. As long as they satisfied her desires, the Zheng clan would be safe. Conversely, mortally offending her would likely mean no peace for the Zheng family thereafter. Luckily, Feng Cangcang hadn’t yet requested anything beyond the Zheng clan’s capabilities.

Amidst toasts and clinking cups, laughter and pleasant chatter filled the air.

Yet the Zheng Clan Patriarch, seated at the head, felt deeply unsettled. Lately, his heart had been plagued by unprovoked unease, though he couldn’t find the reason. Suddenly, a thunderous boom echoed. The entire hall began to shake violently. The Zheng Clan Patriarch’s eyelid twitched.

“Could it be that Xingyang City isn’t stable either?” Feng Cangcang narrowed her eyes and looked toward the Zheng Clan Patriarch.

The Zheng Clan Patriarch abruptly rose. He soared into the air on his flight-light, rushing outside to look ahead. The silver moonlight was like water, and a hazy radiance shimmered like a star. Yet in the blink of an eye, it illuminated heaven and earth, tearing across with terrifying momentum. Within that bright light, the Zheng Clan Patriarch perceived a power similar to his own, his heart sinking heavier. He bellowed: “Who is it?!” He dared not confront that sword beam head-on, but neither could he allow the entire mansion to be shattered by the sword qi. He could only brace himself and advance.

He pinched his fingers; from his sleeve flew a piece of loess, which instantly transformed into an earthen wall. Upon colliding with the sword qi, dirt scattered everywhere. It was then that the Zheng Clan Patriarch saw the intruder clearly. He stared fixedly at Su Xuanjing at the very front, stunned. “Su Xuanjing?” He paused, his expression extremely ugly. “Sect Leader Su, what brings you to my Xingyang City?”

Su Xuanjing smiled faintly. “The feng shui here is quite good. It could serve as a lower city for my Chongyuan Sect.”

The Zheng Clan Patriarch was angered to the point of laughter by Su Xuanjing’s words. Narrowing his eyes, he said, “My Zheng clan has no enmity with the Chongyuan Sect. You were doing perfectly well in Cangwu City; must you come to Xingyang City to pick a fight? Isn’t this far too rude?”

Su Xuanjing ignored him, raising her hand and slashing out a sword strike. This so-called “no enmity” only meant the Zheng clan hadn’t rallied troops to attack the Chongyuan Sect’s mountain gate. At all other times, the Zheng clan, exactly like the Lu clan, had constantly obstructed her sect members’ achievements.

The Zheng Clan Patriarch wanted to say more, but Su Xuanjing attacked without a second word, forcing him to swallow his speech. Once the Clan Patriarch started fighting, the Zheng clansmen naturally couldn’t just stand by. Those attending the banquet were either the Zheng clan’s direct line or their most promising talents. Startled, they rushed out one after another. But before they could help, they were stabbed in the back. The Zheng clansmen had held no guard against Feng Cangcang. Struck, they whipped their heads back in astonishment, only to see blood winding like a river through the hall. The several junior Deacons of the Heavenly Dao Alliance had silently perished at Feng Cangcang’s hands.

“You—you people—” The Zheng Clan Patriarch’s eyelid twitched violently, his thoughts churning into a tangled mess. He had no time to unravel the reasons. He could only, in the gaps between fending off Su Xuanjing, send a message to his fellow clansmen at the Spirit Heart Sect, hoping they would return immediately.

Within the Spirit Heart Sect.

The Zheng clan’s Daoists felt a stir in their hearts, their ears suddenly ringing with the Clan Patriarch’s warning.

This was a certain profound art they cultivated, enabling a connection of minds in times of crisis. Yet it was, after all, unlike a direct transmission; they couldn’t hear the specific details.

The Spirit Heart Sect had been ambushed by the Wang clan. In accordance with their agreement, they were resisting the Wang Daoists on Qi Wugua’s behalf. Both sides fought back and forth, but in truth, it was merely a stalemate. Reaching the Golden Core stage wasn’t easy; fighting to the death wasn’t worth it. The Zheng clan Daoists wanted to use gentler methods to force the Wang clan back, but the message from their Clan Patriarch caught them completely off guard.

Taking Ying Shen’gao was important, but if the Zheng clan was gone, then everything was meaningless. The two Golden Core Daoists exchanged glances and turned to leave. But just as their flight-lights rose, they were blocked by an invisible force upon ascending, their movements stiffening involuntarily. The Wang clan Daoists, not understanding what had happened, only knew it was an excellent opportunity. They unleashed their magical powers, aiming for the Zheng Daoists. Although the Zheng Daoists dodged, their movements were unavoidably awkward.