Journey to the head

Colorful light, immortal characters, and wonderful sounds of the great way rushed up from the headmaster's courtyard.

The disciples were all overjoyed; this was not the first time they had seen such a scene.

The first time was before the master's golden elixir, the second time happened fifteen years ago, and this is the third time.

They all knew that this was because the master had made further progress in his cultivation and his comprehension of the Five Elements had deepened to the highest level, which was why he had experienced these strange phenomena.

Now, this strange phenomenon happened three days before the master’s 100th birthday, adding an extra layer of festive meaning.

It is indeed the Lord who is blessed by God, Yunshan will prosper!
October 13th, two days before the birthday party.

After leaving for nearly a year, Fairy Jingxia Gu Nishang finally returned to Yunshan Sect.

But in the middle of the night, Mianlong Mountain suddenly shook, and the disciples woke up one after another, and found a dark blue mushroom cloud rising from the direction of the master's courtyard.

Afterwards, the blue golden crow soared into the sky and left Mianlong Mountain again.

The disciple on duty said that when he saw Elder Gu was furious and his eyes were red, he did not dare to ask more questions and had to let him go immediately.

The master's courtyard, which had just been rebuilt during the snow disaster years ago, was now left with only a huge deep pit.

The 100th birthday banquet is just around the corner, so it is impossible to build it. We can only fill the pit first and eliminate the traces of flames and explosions.

As for how to deal with this matter... the disciples of Yunshan remained silent.

This is the headmaster's family affair. Is it your turn to interfere?
At least the leader wasn't injured, so the 100th birthday banquet can still be held smoothly.

On the night of October 14, Mianlong Mountain was bustling with activity and brightly lit.

The Yunshan Sect's mountain gate is located in the northwest border of Cangzhou. The journey is long, so many Cangzhou sects choose to arrive one day in advance to avoid missing the auspicious time the next day.

Among them were Lianyi Lingjun and Youde Lingjun, and Lu Qian was accompanying them now. The leaders and envoys of other Jindan sects were entertained by the Yunshan Jindan.

Mianlong Mountain had never received so many guests before, and even though there had been some rehearsals before, it still felt quite tight.

The disciples and accompanying personnel brought by various sects were all settled in concentrated areas below the mountainside. A temporary wooden banquet hall with a unique wild charm was built to host a banquet, which was hosted by the backbone members of the Yunshan Sect who had built their foundation.

Distinguished guests above the Golden Core stage gathered in the Mianlongshan Palace and the formal banquet hall.

The aromas of wine, food, and fruits interweave with each other, warming the body and mind in this early winter season.

However, the "house-born" Yuanying Yuanji Lingjun of Xuanwei sect did not join in the fun and chose to come again tomorrow morning.

Although this Yunshan birthday banquet was held in the name of Lu Qian's birthday, it has now become a gathering of major forces in Cangzhou and a social occasion.

The Yunshan School has always been on good terms with the "Wild Fox Zen" faction of the Xuanwei School, and Lu Qian has a close relationship with Lingxuan Lingjun and Qiancheng Lingjun.

But this time, Miaomiao Xuanjun chose to send out Yuanji Lingjun, the "house-born son". Anyone with a discerning eye could see what was going on.

Although "Wild Fox Zen" lost two Nascent Soul seeds in the last incident, in the subsequent series of turmoil, "Wild Fox Zen" actually gained a lot of advantages. Coupled with the advantages of the two Nascent Souls, it formed an overall suppressive trend against "House-born Son" and snatched many benefits.

Miaomiao Xuanjun pushed Yuanji Lingjun onto the stage in the hope that he could take this opportunity to make friends with the heroes of Cangzhou, expand the influence of "family-born son", and withstand the pressure of "wild fox Zen".

Miaomiao Xuanjun still prefers a "family-born child" after all.

One night passed, and it was October 15th, Lu Qian’s birthday.

The celebration of the 100th birthday was all about happiness, and there were no complicated ceremonies. When the auspicious time came, Lu Qian worshipped heaven and earth, prayed sincerely, and offered sacrifices. Then he could announce the start of the banquet, and everyone ate and drank happily, inviting friends to make friends.

At most, Lu Qian would just say a few words during the meal.

Everyone understands that the real value of this birthday banquet lies not in the banquet itself, but in these Cangzhou heroes gathered together.

The disciples of Yunshan were busy early in the morning, each doing their own job and making final preparations before the birthday banquet.

The fat boy Yu Jiao wore a crooked red armband on his arm with the words "Supervisory Commissioner" scribbled on it in large, messy letters. He walked among the disciples' ranks in an arrogant manner, pointing fingers at everything.

"Hey you! Hold your head high and chest out. Do you understand? But not so high!"

"You kid, you're dilly-dallying. Move faster. This streamer needs to be hung at a height of 50 feet. No more, no less, only when it's hung that high can it move so fast? Let me measure it. I'll give you a pass."

"When you see guests you have to smile and show eight teeth. What's wrong with your six and a half? Is your mouth crooked? Smile again!"

"Who told you to arrange the wine jars in such a fancy way? Can't you see the safety hazard? Hmm? Elder Jiang? It's okay then."

"Don't call me Sir, call me Commissioner!"

After a busy day, his face was flushed, he held his head high and chest puffed out. At this moment, he could only feel the red armband on his arm shining.

Alas, this birthday party would be impossible to hold without me. Lu Qian must thank me later.

Satisfied, Yu Jiao clapped his hands and called four fat ladies to stand in a row. He looked around and kicked one of them on the butt, and now they were finally lined up in a straight line.

Yu Jiao put his hands on his waist and said, "Everyone, report your numbers!"

"One!" (ω)
"Two!"

".three?"(.)
"Four!" (⊙o⊙*)
Yu Jiao nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, the Yu Jiao fairy's special drum and bugle corps and Lu Qian's 100th birthday celebration band have been assembled!"

Then he shouted with full force: "Fat Woman Number One!"

The first fat lady's eyes widened: "Why are you calling me?"

Yu Jiao jumped up and gave her a big slap: "Idiot! When I call you, you have to answer 'yes'! Remember? Do it again!"

"Fat Woman Number One!"

"arrive!"()
"What's your word? Shout it out!"

Fatty No. 1 hurriedly raised the drum and started beating it, then sang in a sawing voice: "Jade-Jiao~Xiaoxian~"

Bang! Yu Jiao punched her again: "Idiot, this is what you usually shout! You are the birthday party band now, and you have new lines. Didn't you practice all night last night? New lines!"

Fatty No. 1 covered her head and thought for a long time, looking at Yu Jiao in confusion. Yu Jiao gnashed her teeth in anger: "What a miscalculation, what a miscalculation. I didn't expect that I would forget everything after giving you breakfast. What should I do now?"

"I'll teach you one last time. It's still sixteen words."

"Immortal Lu Qian has lived for a hundred years. Keep working hard and live another hundred years!"

"Did you understand? I want these heartfelt congratulations to resound throughout Mianlong Mountain! Let Lu Qian be envied by everyone, hahahaha."

While Yu Jiao was working hard to train the Fat Auntie Band, Lu Qian's heart was shrouded in a cloud of gloom. Lianyi Lingjun and Youde Lingjun also exchanged glances, their hearts sinking slightly.

The other Jindan Zhenren had different expressions, and some even started discussing in low voices.

The auspicious time is approaching and everyone is ready, but Yuanji Lingjun of Xuanwei Sect has not arrived yet!
Yuanji Lingjun came to celebrate the birthday on behalf of Xuanwei Sect, the leader of Cangzhou. Lu Qian attached great importance to this and had already sent disciples to welcome him. To be exact, there were already disciples welcoming Yuanji Lingjun in Lingsha City, 600 miles away.

But up to now, the delegation led by Yuanji Lingjun has not entered the territory of Yunshan Sect!
Unlike the Lingshou Sect and the Qinglian Zhenzong, the Yunshan Sect and the Xuanwei Sect do not have a pair of Fantasy Sound Conch shells for direct communication. Communications must be transmitted through the Intelligence Department's Communications Office. The fastest way is to contact the Xuanwei Sect through the central tower in Meihuafang.

There is even less means of direct communication between the Yunshan Sect and Yuanji Lingjun, who has already left the Xuanwei Sect's territory. They can only rely on intelligence outposts, secret lines, spies, etc. scattered in the northwest of Cangzhou for observation.

The last report was received an hour and a half ago, when the Xuanwei Sect envoys were observed flying towards Mianlong Mountain in Dongping County.

There was no news after that.

Judging from the location that was witnessed, the straight-line distance to Mianlong Mountain is about 1,500 miles.

It was one thousand five hundred miles away. The vehicles of the Xuanwei envoys were not ordinary ones, so they managed to arrive in an hour and a half.

But now it has disappeared without a trace.

The map of northwest Cangzhou unfolded in Lu Qian's mind. Yuanji Lingjun was in a hurry to attend the banquet, so he would definitely not choose a detour. So he went straight from Dongping County to Mianlong Mountain, and he must have passed through the dead desert between Dongping County and Chongming County.

That dead desert caused by the war between the two states in the past, with no trace of people, no vitality, and no witnesses!

Lu Qian's heart skipped a beat.

when!
The bell on the top of Mianlong Mountain rang, and the auspicious time had arrived.

Even though Lu Qian knew something was wrong, he could only host the banquet according to the established procedures. All the guests were waiting for him, and he couldn't let this birthday banquet become a farce.

So he whispered to Lin Le, who was standing beside him with a serious expression, "Inform Xuanwei Sect immediately that Yuanji Lingjun has not arrived yet! Including all the situations and routes we observed along the way!"

Lin Le left in a hurry, and Lu Qian glanced at Jiang Qingfeng again. Jiang Qingfeng suppressed his worries and bowed to the guests: "The auspicious time has arrived, please take your seat."

The jade dragon hiding nearby seized the opportunity and jumped out.

"Ah-ho!"()

Then he was glared back by Lu Qian.

A vague sensation came from the blood seal of the reverse scales, and Yu Jiao hurriedly held down fat women number one to four.

Oh no, what happened?

Oh, I didn't tell you earlier, it's a waste of my efforts.
The subsequent ceremony and banquet were spent in a depressing atmosphere. The banquet, which should have been extremely lively and bustling, became deserted at this moment, with few people walking around.

The guests looked up at the sky from time to time, but did not see any figure. They talked in low voices in twos and threes, and only laughed and chatted when Lu Qian came over to toast, which made them feel even more depressed.

At this moment, Lu Qian's mind was on the sudden disappearance of Yuanji Lingjun, a great cultivator in the late Nascent Soul stage!
He hastily toasted everyone and was about to end the banquet early to deal with this matter with all his strength. Suddenly, a silver light flashed in the air, followed by a splendid light that rolled across the sky. The silver light that covered the sky and the earth suddenly converged inwards and turned into a middle-aged Taoist priest with a halo all over his body.

He has thick eyebrows, a square face with a purple glow, and long, shiny black hair that falls all the way to his waist. It is none other than Miaomiao Xuanjun who has traveled here with his spiritual power!

Lu Qian hurried forward to greet him, and all the guests followed suit, bowing and paying homage: "Greetings to Lord Miaomiao Xuan!"

Miaomiao Xuanjun's face was as cold as ice. He swept his eyes through the crowd, confirmed the situation of the guests, and then stepped onto Mianlong Mountain without saying a word, entered the hall, and sat directly on the main seat.

All the guests sat down and looked at Miaomiao Xuanjun who had suddenly arrived. They could all feel the terrifying spiritual pressure surging from him and the anger that was almost condensed into substance. No one dared to speak.

Miao Miao Xuan Jun suddenly forced a smile: "Lu Qian, today is your 100th birthday, I congratulate you."

Lu Qianlian said he dared not: "Lord Xuan's presence brings honor to Yunshan Sect. I am flattered."

Miaomiao Xuanjun nodded: "You are only a hundred years old, but you have established such a foundation and made many contributions to Cangzhou. You are the backbone of the state. If there is turmoil in the future, you will still need to be loyal to the state."

He turned to the other guests and said, "We are all one family in Cangzhou. You should all learn from Tian Yuanzi and make more contributions to Cangzhou. You should not make mistakes when you should contribute."

Everyone responded in agreement, but Lu Qianxun kept thanking him.

After saying this for a few minutes, Miaomiao Xuanjun stood up again and said, "Enjoy your feast, I have something important to attend to, so I won't stay any longer."

Lord Lianyi and Lord Youde looked at each other.

The whereabouts of Yuanji Lingjun remains a mystery, and Miaomiao Xuanjun's soul is in pursuit, which shows that something is bound to happen.

Miaomiao Xuanjun came here in person to confirm the situation of the guests on Mianlong Mountain.

There were many guests gathered on Mianlong Mountain, and they served as witnesses for each other. They all had perfect alibis. Except for Gu Nishang, all the other Jindans of Yunshan Sect were present, so it was impossible to frame the Yunshan Sect.

But no matter what, Yuanji Lingjun came to congratulate Lu Qian on his birthday, but something went wrong on the way. Now Miaomiao Xuanjun was patient and said a few words of congratulations, without taking his anger out on Yunshan Sect!
It seems that the Yunshan Sect really has a special place in Miaomiao Xuanjun's heart.

The other Jindan had different thoughts, but most of them could not hide their surprise.

Something big really happened in Cangzhou!
Lu Qian escorted him out of the mountain gate. There was no one around him anymore. Miaomiao Xuanjun then said in a deep voice: "Lu Qian, Yuanji Lingjun is missing. As soon as I got the news, I used Yuanshen Xudu to quickly track him down, but I couldn't find him."

"This is extremely unusual. I am conducting a comprehensive search along his route. If necessary, you must fully cooperate."

Lu Qian agreed without hesitation. A flash of silver light appeared before his eyes, and Miaomiao Xuanjun disappeared.

Lu Qian looked into the distance at the sky, feeling extremely heavy in his heart.

Yuanji Lingjun is really missing! And according to the route and time, he disappeared in the dead desert!
Could this be another attack?
But Yuanji Lingjun is already in the late Nascent Soul stage. If he also disappears silently like this, what kind of enemy can do this?
More importantly, the Nascent Soul seed of "Wild Fox Zen" before is now directly the Nascent Soul of the leader of "House-Born Son"!

Who could be the murderer? (End of this chapter)