Chapter 749: Longze 2

Chapter 749: Chapter 295: Longze 2

Although its reputation and influence had diminished in recent years due to internal strife between the Dragon and Tiger Halls and external pressures, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Its alliance with the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, moreover, had endured for generations and was indestructible.

When the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect suffered internal turmoil in the past, the Sect Leader of the Lingxiao Upper Sect had personally led a group of masters to their aid.

An invitation sent personally by their Sect Leader carried immense weight. The envoy sent in response had to possess both the status and ability to represent the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect, demonstrating the proper respect for the occasion.

Jiang Lishan pondered for a moment, her gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall before finally resting on Luo Zhixian beside her. “The Lingxiao Upper Sect and our own share a deep history,” she began. “The bonds of our alliance cannot be treated lightly. Since their Sect Leader extended a personal invitation, sending an ordinary Elder might appear insincere. Brother Luo, it would be most appropriate for you to undertake this journey in my stead.”

At once, all eyes in the hall turned to Luo Zhixian, the Spear Path Grandmaster.

Luo Zhixian cupped his hands. “As the Sect Leader commands.”

Jiang Lishan gave a slight nod, then glanced at Li Yu-jun.

“The third matter,”

Li Yu-jun spoke slowly. “We’ve received word from the Cloud Water Upper Sect. Traces of Demon Sect masters have been found near Longze Lake, within their territory. The Cloud Water Upper Sect has already mobilized forces for an encirclement and has formally invited our Sect to join them in completely eradicating this demonic threat.”

“Longze Lake?” A murmur of discussion immediately spread through the hall.

“Longze Lake lies at the border of Cloud Water, Celestial Treasure, and Black Water City’s territories, but its main waters are still within the Cloud Water Upper Sect’s jurisdiction. Since this demonic threat has appeared in their lands, they should be the ones to resolve it. Why ask our Celestial Treasure Upper Sect to intervene?” an Earth Balance Elder asked with a frown.

“Cloud Water is just trying to use our strength to do their work and preserve their own power, aren’t they?” another Elder snorted.

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” a more perceptive voice pointed out. “The waters of Longze Lake are complex, and the lakebed is said to connect to the subterranean Yin River. If Cloud Water handles this alone, their losses will surely be significant. By involving us, they can share the burden and also test our Sect’s attitude.”

Jiang Lishan raised her hand in a placating gesture, silencing the discussion. “Everything you’ve all said is reasonable. However, exterminating the Demon Sect is our sects’ shared responsibility. While our relationship with the Cloud Water Upper Sect may not be as close as our bond with Lingxiao, they are an ally nonetheless. This is the first time they have invited us to a joint operation, which makes it particularly significant. If we can use this opportunity to uproot the Demon Sect’s forces and strengthen our ties with the Cloud Water Sect, it will benefit our Sect’s greater interests.”

Once the Sect Leader had set the tone, no one voiced any further objections.

The deliberations in the great hall continued for about an hour.

For the missions to Dongji City and Soul-Breaking Gorge, two locations within the Land of the Three Paths that were vital to the Sect’s core interests, only the absolute elite were dispatched.

The contingent for Dongji City was to be led by Ke Tianzong, the Mystic Sun Vein Master, himself. In addition to several Earth Balance Elders, True Disciples such as Zhang Baicheng and Luo Chengxuan were on the list, a clear indication of the importance the Sect placed on this location.

As for Soul-Breaking Gorge, reinforcements would be led by Nine Heavens Vein Master Li Yu-jun. She would be accompanied by Zhong Yu and several other True Essence Realm masters from the Nine Heavens Lineage—a truly star-studded roster.

Chen Qing listened silently from the sidelines, gaining a more direct appreciation for the sheer depth of the Nine Heavens Lineage’s power.

The high-level experts dispatched to just these two crucial fronts from the Nine Heavens Lineage alone made up nearly half of the total force. This was a clear testament to their immense power.

Finally, the discussion returned to Longze Lake.

As expected, compared to the other two missions, the Longze Lake assignment offered a reward of ten thousand Contribution Points—enough to make many people’s eyes burn with greed—and involved relatively little danger.

It was less a direct confrontation and more of a joint mop-up and diplomatic mission. The main targets were itinerant Demon Sect masters, not an entrenched force.

Li Yu-jun’s gaze swept over the area where disciples of the Human Position were seated. “The Longze Lake mission requires coordination with the Cloud Water Upper Sect,” she said calmly. “It concerns the honor of both our sects and the future of our relations. Yanchi is meticulous and sociable, and his Cultivation is more than sufficient to handle most situations. He shall be one of the ones to go. As for the other candidate…”

She paused, her gaze falling upon the section for the Jade Celestial Lineage. “Ruan Lingxiu, you are detail-oriented and your True Essence Cultivation is stable. You shall go with Yanchi. The two of you can look out for one another.”

“I accept the assignment,” Ruan Lingxiu replied respectfully, rising to her feet.

For her, this mission was a perfect fit, offering a substantial amount of Contribution Points with relatively manageable risk.

Chen Qing was not surprised by this. It was perfectly normal within the Sect’s ecosystem for a “cushy job” like this to be given to the Nine Heavens Lineage first.

He remained calm, simply taking it all in.

Soon, all important matters had been settled. Sect Leader Jiang Lishan gave a final summary and dismissed the assembly.

Everyone rose and began to file out of the great hall of Dubhe Pavilion in an orderly manner.

Chen Qing walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Qu River, moving with the crowd toward the exit.

“See that?”

Qu River whispered via voice transmission, “Resources and opportunities always go to them first. A mission like the one to Longze Lake—lots of Contribution Points, not much risk—it’s a real prize.”

Chen Qing gave a slight nod, indicating he understood.

He was new to the True Essence Realm, and though he was starting to make a name for himself, seniority and background were still major factors when it came to assignments involving diplomatic relations.

The two of them had only taken a few steps out of the great hall when a calm voice called out from behind.

“Chen Zhenchuan, a moment, please.”

Chen Qing and Qu River stopped and turned to see Luo Ping, the First Elder of the main peak, walking slowly toward them.

“Elder Luo,” Chen Qing and Qu River greeted in unison, bowing.

Luo Ping’s gaze fell upon Chen Qing. “There has been a change in personnel for the Longze Lake mission.”

Though Chen Qing’s interest was piqued, his expression remained impassive. “Please elaborate, Elder.”

“Yanchi recently had an epiphany in his Cultivation,” Luo Ping explained. “He has formally reported to the Sect and is preparing to enter seclusion to attempt his fifth round of True Essence Refining. As such, he will be unable to go on the expedition to Longze Lake.”