Chapter 537 - 506: Ping Miaohan

Within Primordial City lies Primordial Mountain, and upon that mountain resides the Primordial Sect.

The massive mountain rose tier by tier, a truly magnificent sight. This was the heart of the Sixteen States, the seat of supreme authority. Unfortunately, that authority was now facing its most perilous moment.

Chen Che led his followers up the stone steps, simultaneously sending his Divine Sense surging toward the seventh level, where the Primordial Sect Leader resided.

Unfortunately, before his Divine Sense could reach the seventh level, it was intercepted by a Grand Array.

'Even empowered by my Fierce Eyes, a Golden Core Great Perfection's Divine Sense can't get through? These defenses...'

As this thought crossed his mind, Chen Che withdrew his Divine Sense. As he did, it inadvertently swept past the assembly hall on the sixth level, and he immediately detected dozens of auras of varying strength within.

Clearly, these auras belonged to the last of the forces the Primordial Sect could muster.

"Since you have arrived, Tributor Chen, please enter the hall at once. Don't keep everyone waiting."

At the head of the hall, Duobao, who was dressed like a wealthy merchant, sat in a commanding position, his gaze fixed on the hall's entrance. He had felt Chen Che's Divine Sense surge toward the mountaintop moments ago—a clear attempt to investigate the Sect Leader's condition.

It wasn't just Chen Che who was in the dark; Duobao himself, despite overseeing the sect for so long, had not received the slightest bit of news.

"Tri-Tributor Chen?"

"Is that the Valley Master? He's here?"

Many of the Golden Core Cultivators in the hall turned to look at the entrance.

Although Chen Che's name had become quite renowned as of late, most of them had never actually met him. Naturally, many were curious to finally see him in person.

"Greetings, Interim Sect Leader, Chiefs, and fellow Daoists."

Chen Che stepped over the threshold, giving a casual, perfunctory cupped-fist salute.

At the same time, he scanned the room, realizing that the entire upper echelon of the Primordial Sect was gathered here—an even more complete assembly than the last.

Duobao occupied the second-highest seat. Above him was an empty Pumpon.

That was the Sect Leader's seat.

Below him on either side sat the Protectors and the Chiefs of the various Halls: Chen Jiyuan of Xingtang Hall, Huang Shiwo of the Pill Hall, Qiu Tianshui of the Internal Affairs Hall, the Chief of the Martial Arts Hall... The Vice Chiefs were seated formally behind their respective Chiefs.

Of course, two Protectors and two Vice Chiefs were missing.

In the guest seating area, there were also nearly twenty additional Golden Core Cultivators.

There were Tributors like Chen Che, as well as some Loose Cultivators from outside the sect who had come to offer aid. If not for the empty Pumpons, the scene might have even looked prosperous.

'So it's true, even a wrecked ship still has a few good nails. After we slaughtered so many of their Golden Core Cultivators, they still managed to summon this many...'

'And not a single one of these Chiefs is missing? How unexpected!'

'They probably don't dare leave. After all, their entire fortunes are tied to Primordial City. They can't just walk away so easily.'

The influence of these Chiefs was like the roots of a great tree, deeply entrenched in Primordial City for many years. It wouldn't be so easy for them to simply uproot themselves and leave.

The few people behind him exchanged thoughts via Divine Sense, discussing the situation before them.

Chen Che smirked.

It was just as his followers had said. If they hadn't slaughtered so many of the sect's Golden Core Cultivators, the number gathered here today would have been at least double.

"Tributor Chen, your arrival is a great relief. With you here, we can ensure that the Star-Picking Sect will not leave this place alive! Quickly, please, take your seat. Someone, bring tea..."

Duobao paid no mind to Chen Che's perfunctory attitude, instead responding with a smile, his posture conveying an air of 'though we may squabble internally, we must unite to face an outside threat.' With a wave of his sleeve, several Pumpons and Workbenches settled into place before them.

Immediately, attractive maidservants came forward and served Spirit Tea and Spirit Fruit. There was none of the cold-shouldering, targeted provocations, or difficult treatment the group had expected. On the contrary, it felt like a subtle gesture of goodwill.

Perhaps, at this point, he had lost the appetite for internal conflict and was now focused solely on stabilizing the Primordial Sect.

Once Chen Che was seated, Duobao turned to Chen Jiyuan, his voice turning icy.

"It's about time. Everyone who is going to show up has arrived."

"As for those who haven't shown up... The deadline is in half a day, but they most likely aren't coming. Make a list of all who are absent. We'll deal with them before the battle begins. Their fortunes are considerable and can be used to fund our war effort."

At these words, Meng Qianxun's brow couldn't help but twitch.

After all, he had been one of the strongest proponents of leaving. If they had simply ignored the Summoning Order, he feared these thirty-odd Golden Core Cultivators would have descended upon the gates of Jinyun Valley in an instant.

The eyes of many other Golden Core Cultivators in the hall flickered as well.

Chen Che's expression, however, remained unchanged. He had always known Duobao to be treacherous, so this decision was within his expectations. The surprising part was that none of the Primordial Sect's Halls voiced any opposition. Chen Jiyuan, in fact, agreed immediately:

"Good!"

With that, he patted a Scroll. "I have the roster right here. Not a single one of them will get away..."

On reflection, it was understandable. For one, with everyone risking their lives on the front lines, allowing people to flee would naturally cause resentment among the loyal Cultivators. It also served to enforce discipline and prevent morale from collapsing.

After delivering that icy statement, Duobao's smile returned as he cupped his hands.

"First and foremost, I thank all of you, fellow Daoists, for not abandoning the Primordial Sect in its time of crisis. I also thank our fellow Daoists from outside the sect for lending their aid. I will keep this kindness etched in my heart. Once the Primordial Sect overcomes this tribulation, there will be generous rewards for all."

"It is our duty."

"I share a bond with the Primordial Sect; it is only natural to offer my help."

"You're too kind, Fellow Daoist Duobao..."

Everyone responded with smiles.

As for what they were truly thinking, perhaps only they themselves knew.

"This emergency meeting will be brief. I only need everyone to help defend Primordial City. The city is protected by a Grand Array, both inside and out. With your help, the Star-Picking Sect will have no hope of breaking through our defenses in the short term."

"The Sect Leader is currently still in seclusion. Once he emerges, no matter how dire the situation, it will be resolved with ease. Next, the sect will arrange for your assignments..."

"Wait."

Just then, a voice rang out in the hall:

"Fellow Daoist Duobao, as far as I know, your Sect Leader and the leader of the Star-Picking Sect entered seclusion at roughly the same time. However, news spread as early as half a year ago that their leader had already succeeded in his Nascent Soul Formation and was in the process of stabilizing his Cultivation."

"And yet, to this day, there has been no word at all from your Sect Leader. Could you perhaps reveal something, Fellow Daoist, to put our minds at ease?"

WHOOSH!

The moment she spoke, the atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense. All eyes snapped to Duobao, searching his expression for any telltale sign.

Chen Che's curious gaze flicked back and forth between the two speakers.

The woman wore a formal palace gown, with colorful silk ribbons draped across her shoulders. She was exceptionally beautiful, though her appearance gave no clue as to her origins. Even Meng Qianxun and Xiao Chan seemed slightly taken aback.

They clearly hadn't expected anyone to be so bold as to ask such a question to his face.

"Fellow Daoist Ping Miaohan."

Duobao was still smiling, though his expression had turned slightly more serious.

"I can tell you this unequivocally: I am not clear on the exact situation myself. What I can guarantee, however, is that the Sect Leader is still within the sect, his Soul Lamp is still burning, and he is currently still working toward his breakthrough."

"Is that so? And could you let us see this Soul Lamp?"

"Impossible."

Duobao shook his head. "The Soul Lamp is a sect secret and cannot be casually revealed. Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Ping."

'Who is this woman?'

Since someone else was willing to lead the charge, Chen Che certainly wasn't going to stick his own neck out. He was, however, more curious about this woman's identity.

Meng Qianxun and the others didn't know, but Xiao Chan pondered for a moment before replying:

'I've only heard of her. She's said to have come from the Mist Rain Tower, but they had a nasty falling out. She ended up defecting from the sect and has been living a reclusive life in Faqian City ever since. She's quite powerful and has rallied a number of Golden Core Cultivators in Faqian City, forming her own small faction.'

'Duobao probably invited her here hoping she would deal with the Mist Rain Tower for him.'

As he listened, Chen Che glanced over at Ping Miaohan.

She occupied her own space with a noble bearing, several Golden Core Cultivators seated behind her, indeed projecting the air of a powerful leader. As if sensing Chen Che's gaze, she turned to meet his eyes and offered a friendly smile.

Chen Che gave a slight nod in return.

Inwardly, however, he resolved to keep a respectful distance from her.

Others asked more questions, which were patiently answered by either Duobao or the various Hall Chiefs. Chen Che and his contingent, however, remained silent. They had already come this far, so they would see it through. They had their own plans, and asking more questions was pointless.

"Alright, let's move on to your assignments..."

Once the questioning was over, Duobao cleared his throat and began to speak gently.

The crowd immediately grew solemn.

Chen Che, who had been thoroughly bored, finally perked up his ears. This was the main event.