Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 264 Sudden Enlightenment, Greatly Increased Strength

Inside the Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Yuan looked at Shen Xiubai with a strange expression.

"Great-Grandpa, Xiu Bai wants to try!"

Meeting his gaze, Shen Xiubai's face was full of anticipation.

Shen Yuan remained silent.

"Grandpa, don't worry. Xiu Bai has a spirit-gathering array inside his body, so it won't delay his cultivation."

"If this matter succeeds, we don't care whether they take the Dao Source or not. Our Shen family will have nothing to fear then."

"Even... if Xiu Bai's guess is true, what will happen when my Shen family becomes powerful..."

"Child..." Seeing that Shen Xiubai was already deeply involved, Shen Yuan helplessly interrupted him, saying, "Grandpa knows that if you don't agree this time, you won't be able to get over this hurdle, right?"

Shen Xiubai remained silent.

His mind is currently filled with ideas about the "Five Elements Cycle." If he is not allowed to continue his research, he will not only be unable to calm down and cultivate, but he will probably also be unable to eat or sleep.

Seeing that he remained silent, Shen Yuan knew the answer.

After some thought, he said, "If you want to do it, then do it."

"There's still time to make things work out."

"But there's something your great-grandfather told you to remember."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiubai respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Please enlighten me, Great-Grandfather."

Shen Yuan lowered his head solemnly and said, "Great-grandfather hopes you will remember that you bear the responsibility for the rise of the Shen family's array formations."

"After the collapse of the Yangnao Tunnel, no matter where my Shen family goes, the world will become even more cruel."

"At that time, the myriad arts of cultivating immortality will be the foundation upon which my Shen family stands. Do you understand?"

Shen Xiubai looked stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, "Xiubai understands, Great-Grandpa, please rest assured."

"If this path is blocked, Xiu Bai will definitely cut his losses in time, devote himself to comprehending the Dao of Arrays, and leave enough Dao of Arrays for my Shen family."

Having received his assurance, Shen Yuan sighed inwardly.

His consistent stance is to respect the preferences of the younger generation and support them as much as possible in doing what they want to do.

But Shen Xiubai's idea was just too outrageous.

For him, this was an incredibly difficult undertaking, akin to creating a new world.

Fortunately, after listening to his theories and conjectures, it became clear that the matter was feasible to some extent.

Let him give it a try.

"Great-Grandpa, Xiu Bai is taking his leave."

After rising and respectfully bowing, Shen Xiubai left the Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Yuan stood with his hands behind his back in front of the window of the Blackwater Pavilion, watching the figure hurriedly descend the floating bridge and head towards the back mountain.

"Ugh!"

"This child is good in every way, but he is a bit impetuous. With such a temperament, he may cause a big problem in the future."

"Who is Father talking about?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a sword beam shot out from the window behind him.

Upon hearing the voice, Shen Yuan slowly turned around and looked at Shen Wen'an, who was smiling not far away, and said in a deep voice, "It seems that everything went smoothly on this trip to Danzhou."

Shen Wen'an walked over to the desk, picked up the teapot, poured himself a pot of cold tea, drank it, and said, "It did go quite smoothly."

"However, the black cauldron was still not saved."

Shen Yuan slowly walked to the futon in front of the desk and sat down cross-legged.

"Sit down and talk."

Shen Wen'an nodded and sat down opposite him, recounting everything he had learned during his trip to Danzhou.

"Father, why do you think that senior valued the spirit of Beichen Immortal Mountain so much?"

Shen Wen'an voiced the question that had been bothering him.

After a moment's thought, Shen Yuan smiled faintly: "This is easy to understand."

"From a worldly perspective, the source of the Dao in Yangnao is like a national seal that can command the world."

"That Senior Luo and the group of Nascent Soul True Monarch experts are like a group of generals holding heavy troops."

"They joined forces to set up a scheme in Yangnao Land, and the final ownership of the Dao Source must have been agreed upon beforehand."

"In this way, it's like a group of people preparing to rebel. They've agreed in advance who will become the emperor after the rebellion succeeds. The future emperor has certainly also promised how to bestow titles upon other people who have contributed to the succession."

Shen Wen'an understood what he meant.

"Does Father mean that the senior was not satisfied with being a feudal lord and wanted to find a place to be emperor?"

Shen Yuan nodded.

"Perhaps that senior can use his spiritual power to find the location of the Northern Star Immortal Mountain."

"Therefore, occupying an empty Dao Source Secret Realm on one's own is far better than being a subordinate in a Dao Source Secret Realm controlled by someone else."

Shen Wen'an suddenly realized.

No wonder Luo Tianxing was so eager when he realized that his bargaining chip wasn't the spirit of Yangnao Land.

"Although the forces within Beichen Immortal Mountain have been wiped out as a Dao Source Secret Realm, there must still be many good things left behind. This is probably what that senior valued so much, right?"

Following this line of thought, Shen Wen'an thought of another idea from Luo Tianxing.

"That's the meaning behind it."

Shen Yuan nodded.

As three ancient Daoist origin secret realms, the Three Immortal Mountains must have been extremely powerful at their peak.

As an ancient immortal sect that gathered a world, even the smallest thing left behind is a huge treasure for cultivators today.

It's no wonder Luo Tianxing was tempted.

"Father, do you have any thoughts on the matter of Danzhou?"

After pouring a cup of tea and handing it to his father, Shen Wen'an abruptly changed the subject.

"Danzhou?"

Shen Yuan picked up his teacup, paused slightly, and said, "Are you saying that my Shen family is withdrawing from Yangnao and going to Danzhou to avoid the collapse of the road?"

Shen Wen'an nodded: "If the legend that Senior Sister Ling Shan mentioned is true, I guess that if the Yangnao Land really collapses, Danzhou will very likely be able to escape unscathed."

"If that's the case, my Shen family might not have to go through so much trouble, and we wouldn't need to consider entering the Dao Source Secret Realm."

The fact that the Dao Source Secret Realm could cause abnormalities in people had always been a thorn in his side.

After the collapse of Yangnao's Dao, unless it was a matter of life and death, he did not want the Shen family to enter the Dao Source Secret Realm.

After hearing this, Shen Yuan sighed and said, "This matter is still just speculation."

"As your father, I think Danzhou can be considered as an alternative, but we should still strive for other options."

"Otherwise, if the Yangnao tunnel collapses and Danzhou is destroyed as well, my Shen family will lose all its escape routes."

"That's what I think too." Shen Wen'an nodded and said, "If that's the case, I'll send a message to Senior Sister Ling Shan later and ask Qingluo Sword Pavilion to help my Shen family find a suitable place in Danzhou to make some initial preparations for future use."

Shen Yuan nodded.

"There's no rush."

"The battle at Tianyuan Mountain is the key right now."

"I heard from your elder brother that tomorrow is the day that Tian Tan Mountain and Luo Xia Mountain agreed upon."

"If the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain decide not to take action, you still need to go to Yunzhong County City as soon as possible to discuss a countermeasure with Qiu Ling and Senior Jiang."

"This countermeasure is mainly to defend against Tian Tan Mountain."

"Luoxia Mountain has already agreed to send troops, and changing their mind at the last minute will probably make Tiantan Mountain furious."

"If they turn their attention to Luoxia Mountain or the Shen family, we must prepare in advance."

Shen Wen'an's expression turned somewhat serious upon hearing this.

Although Qingluo Sword Pavilion has agreed to provide support, Huang Lingshan still needs to communicate and negotiate with other sword immortals.

If Tian Tan Mountain really makes a move during this period, the Shen family and Luo Xia Mountain will have to bear the brunt of it on their own.

That's a Purple Mansion power. Even if their ancestor Feng Qi doesn't take action, there are probably quite a few Golden Core Demon Kings below the Purple Mansion level in Tian Tan Mountain.

We really need to come up with a solution right now.

"I will go to Yunzhong County now."

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Shen Wen'an immediately stood up and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Bring Xiuyan along too."

“Your elder brother has been too busy to take care of him these past few days. Taking him out to broaden his horizons will help him make decisions in times of crisis when he takes over as head of the family.”

Shen Wen'an nodded and smiled faintly: "It just so happens that the kid was pestering me to teach him swordsmanship last time, so I'll talk to him about it on the way here."

After bowing, his figure transformed into a sword beam and left Blackwater Pavilion.

Above Yunshui City, Shen Xiuyan stood in front of the giant flying sword, looking at the rapidly receding clouds on both sides and the city and mountains below, his face full of excitement.

"Third Grandfather, is this what flying on a sword is?"

"I want to learn how to repair inkstones!"

Shen Wen'an stood behind him with his hands behind his back and said with a faint smile, "You can learn if you want, but you have to cultivate both the Way of Literature and the Way of Swordsmanship. You'll have to work even harder than usual."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiuyan's excitement suddenly froze, and he then reluctantly suppressed his thoughts.

"Both my uncle and great-grandfather said that Xiu Yan is the future head of the Shen family and will bear the heavy responsibility of the rise and fall of the Shen family."

"A scholar's heart is born with literary talent; he must not neglect the path of literature."

"I'm afraid I really don't have the energy to delve into the art of swordsmanship anymore..."

Looking at the little guy's somewhat forlorn figure and hearing the resentment in his words, Shen Wen'an felt a pang of sadness.

He understood the bitterness in Shen Xiuyan's heart.

Human energy is limited, and even these cultivators have times when they get tired.

Managing a household and governing the world requires a lot of energy, and the same is true for cultivating literature and the Way of the Sword. He really couldn't spare any extra energy to get involved in the Way of the Sword.

This is a kind of sacrifice.

"Even if you don't practice swordsmanship, your third grandfather can still teach you swordsmanship."

"Once one achieves some success in literature and art, one's ability to fly will not be much worse than flying on a sword."

Shen Wen'an comforted her.

Upon hearing this, the little guy's gloom vanished instantly.

"Then let Third Grandfather tell Xiuyan about sword cultivation."

Shen Wen'an nodded and spoke in a deep voice:
"Sword cultivation is not simply about wielding iron and manipulating blades."

In the beginning, people wielded swords, which were inanimate objects that could swallow metal and stone, and cut through wind and waves; they were merely sharp weapons.

Then, the sword controls the person; the sword has a spiritual connection, understanding each other's thoughts and spirits. Before the mind moves, the sword energy has already swept across the river.

The sword here is already half a body.

Shen Wen'an's voice was low and slow, and Shen Xiuyan in front of him listened intently.

"In the end, man and sword are forgotten, there is no iron in hand, but a sharp edge in the heart. Wherever the eye can see, the sea of ​​clouds is torn apart and the dome is opened; wherever the will goes, all laws are broken and cause and effect are eliminated. This sword is neither gold nor iron, but a point of innate spiritual light, which is called 'sword intent'."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xiuyan's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He turned his head and looked up at Shen Wen'an, asking eagerly, "What about 'sword intent'?"

"What does Third Grandfather think should be above 'sword intent'?"

Above the sword intent...

Shen Wen'an's eyes narrowed slightly, and after pondering for a long time, he finally spoke:
"My third grandfather's understanding is: the ultimate way of the sword is not to cut external objects, but to cut oneself."

Cut off cowardice, cut off delusions, cut off worldly ties, cut off the obstacles in your heart. Until your mind is as clear as a mirror, reflecting your true self, then your body can be a sword, your fingers can be a sword, and even a blade of grass can cut down stars.

Therefore it is said: Cultivating the sword is actually cultivating the mind.

The sword's edge points not at enemy or foe, but at the undying true nature within the hearts of us cultivators—a nature that lives as long as heaven and earth, as bright as the sun and moon.

The surrounding sea of ​​clouds continued to rush backward, and the grandfather and grandson on the flying sword remained silent.

The latter part of Shen Wen'an's words seemed to be addressed to Shen Xiuyan, but in reality, it was through Shen Xiuyan's question that he expressed his own understanding of the "ultimate realm of swordsmanship".

"Third Grandfather..."

Just as Shen Xiuyan was about to turn around and speak, he suddenly noticed that Shen Wen'an seemed to be in some strange state, with sword intent surging around him, which then swept away all the clouds in his path.

"Repairing the inkstone," Third Grandfather suddenly realized, "we must go down."

Feeling the insights welling up in his heart, Shen Wen'an immediately spoke in a deep voice and directly manipulated the flying sword under his feet to land on a towering mountain below.

"Stay here and don't wander off."

After the two landed, Shen Wen'an turned the light in his hand and took out a formation plate that he had retrieved from Huaisang County, and quickly activated it.

He immediately sat cross-legged and began his cultivation.

Shen Xiuyan, who was standing next to him, glanced at him and knew that this must be what was called "sudden enlightenment".

"My strength is too weak, I need to find someone to help my third grandfather protect him."

After thinking it over, he looked around to confirm the location of the two people, then made a hand seal and flew away on the wind.

Anyang City.

Since activating the Inner Five Elements Cycle Formation in Yunshui City that day, Zhao Tuan's cultivation level, which had been stagnant for more than ten years, has finally shown signs of loosening.

After a long period of seclusion, he could clearly sense that his cultivation level would soon break through to the Qi Refining Perfection realm.

Inside the room, Zhao Tuan was sitting cross-legged, engrossed in his cultivation, when a rapid knocking sounded on the door.

Zhao Tuan frowned as he woke up and said in a deep voice, "Come in."

As he finished speaking, the door was pushed open.

Zhao Tianqiu, who looked middle-aged and had a short mustache, hurriedly entered the room and respectfully bowed, saying, "Father, the young master Xiuyan from the main family has arrived."

Young Master Xiuyan?

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tuan looked on with suspicion.

"I remember that Young Master Xiuyan is still a child... Did he come by himself?"

Zhao Tianqiu nodded: "Young Master Xiuyan did indeed come on his own, specifically requesting to see you, Father."

"The child seemed very anxious..."

After a moment's thought, Zhao Tuan hurriedly got up.

"Take me to see."

When the father and son arrived at the side room in the front hall, they saw Shen Xiuyan, dressed in brocade robes, pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back.

"Zhao Tuan pays his respects to Young Master Xiu Yan."

The major affiliated families already knew that Shen Xiuyan had replaced Shen Xiuzhuo as the candidate for the head of the main family.

Therefore, even though Shen Xiuyan was only five or six years old at the time, the heads and patriarchs of the various affiliated families did not dare to neglect him when they saw him.

"Uncle, please come with me quickly."

Upon seeing Zhao Tuan, Shen Xiuyan immediately grabbed his sleeve and led him outside.

Zhao Tuan wanted to ask what had happened, but seeing Shen Xiuyan's anxious appearance, he didn't say much. He simply instructed Zhao Tianqiu beside him to guard Anyang City, and then flew out of the city with Shen Xiuyan.

On the way, when he heard that Shen Wen'an was in seclusion on a desolate mountain a hundred miles outside Anyang City, Zhao Tuan did not dare to delay and immediately quickened his pace.

The two arrived at the foot of the towering mountain. Shen Xiuyan pointed to the summit and said, "Third Grandfather is up there. I'm worried that some ignorant cultivators or demonic beasts might disturb him. Please, Uncle, protect Third Grandfather here."

After Zhao Tuan nodded, he flew directly to the summit with Shen Xiuyan and sat down cross-legged not far from Shen Wen'an.

……

Yunzhong County City.

The backyard of the main hall of the sect on Luoxia Mountain.

Wei Qiuling and Jiang Xiuqi sat facing each other.

"I wonder if my husband has returned from Danzhou yet, and what the reply was from the Qingluo Sword Pavilion?"

"Tomorrow is the day we agreed upon with Tian Tan Mountain. Should Luo Xia Mountain send someone to Tian Yuan Mountain...?"

Wei Qiuling spoke with a solemn expression.

Jiang Xiuqi also looked conflicted.

If Shen Wen'an's attempt to seek help in Danzhou fails, then Luoxia Mountain and the Shen family cannot afford to break ties with Tiantan Mountain now.

Otherwise, the enraged Tian Tan Mountain would definitely take direct action against the two families. At that time, the two families' current strength would be insufficient to withstand the all-out attack of a Purple Mansion power.

However, if they don't want to break off relations, Luoxia Mountain will have to send a large number of disciples to their deaths tomorrow.

"How about I go back to Yunshui City now and take a look?"

Wei Qiuling stood up and spoke.

"Don't worry."

Seeing this, Jiang Xiuqi slowly raised his hand to gesture for her to sit down first and said, "Qiu Ling, now you are the sect leader of my Luoxia Mountain. You must not act impulsively and must remain calm."

"If Wen An has already returned from Danzhou, he will definitely come to Luoxia Mountain to inform us of the results as soon as possible."

"If you haven't returned yet, there's nothing we can do even if you go back to Yunshui City."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qiuling sighed inwardly.

All decisions at the moment depend on news from Shen Wen'an.

"Wait a minute."

Seeing that Wei Qiuling had sat down again, but her anxiety was still there, Jiang Xiuqi immediately comforted her.

The two waited like that, and soon it was evening.

"no!"

"Grandmaster Uncle, Qiu Ling should return to Yunshui City."

Even if Wen'an doesn't return, it's best to discuss tomorrow's matters with my elder brother.

As Wei Qiuling spoke, she cupped her hands in a respectful gesture towards Jiang Xiuqi, and then rode the wind toward Yunshui City.

……

"What!?"

"Wen'an didn't go to Yunzhong County?"

At the old manor, Shen Wenxing looked at Wei Qiuling with some surprise and said, "I just came back from the Blackwater Pavilion. Father said that Wen'an went to Yunzhong County City not long after he returned, and he took Xiu Yan with him."

Hearing this, Wei Qiuling was also stunned.

The distance from Yunshui City to Yunzhong County City is only a thousand miles.

Shen Wen'an, who is at the Golden Core Sword Immortal realm, should be able to arrive quickly by flying on his sword. Why has he been missing for so long?

"Did something happen?"

Shen Wenxing's expression changed slightly, and he murmured in a deep voice.

Wei Qiuling's heart sank, and she shook her head, saying, "Wen An is a Golden Core Sword Immortal. Even if he encounters trouble, he can't possibly be completely powerless to resist."

"My grandmaster and I have been waiting in Yunzhong County. My grandmaster did not detect any signs of a Golden Core cultivator making a move."

After a moment of silence, Shen Wenxing said, "Sister-in-law, you should return to Yunzhong County for now."

"Father said that Wen'an has already made arrangements with Qingluo Sword Pavilion, and they will come to provide support."

"However, if Luoxia Mountain changes its mind and does not send troops tomorrow, it may anger Tiantan Mountain. The Shen family and Luoxia Mountain should be prepared to deal with the wrath of Tiantan Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qiuling frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "Alright, then I'll go back and tell my grandmaster first, and my elder brother should also make preparations." After cupping her hands in greeting, Wei Qiuling hurriedly left.

Under the moonlit night sky, Wei Qiuling, who was flying on the wind, suddenly felt something as she passed the mountain where Shen Wen'an was in seclusion.

She immediately changed her hand seals, slowly reduced her speed, and scanned her surroundings with her divine sense, but found nothing unusual.

He then shook his head and continued toward Yunzhong County.

The mountain peak below.

Shen Wen'an was surrounded by sword intent, and the power of the two sword intents made his body seem to transform into a void lake.

The tides surged in the lake, and the blue lotus blossoms swayed with the tides.

Shen Xiuyan stood beside Zhao Tuan, quietly observing the strange phenomena around him. He was quite surprised to feel a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth rushing towards Shen Wen'an's body.

Zhao Tuan, on the other hand, looked on with envy.

True meaning is the mark of a Golden Core cultivator, but unfortunately he hasn't even reached the embryonic breathing stage yet, and he doesn't know if he'll ever have the chance to touch the Golden Core realm in this lifetime.

As time passed, the sword intent surrounding Shen Wen'an, having reached a certain extreme, suddenly began to fade away.

The surrounding spiritual energy gradually returned to calm.

Once all the strange phenomena and images disappeared, Shen Wen'an, who was sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes.

Upon seeing that he had woken up, Zhao Tuan and Shen Xiuyan immediately came to his side.

"Third Master."

Zhao Tuan respectfully cupped his hands in greeting.

Shen Wen'an nodded and stood up: "Did Xiu Yan bring you here?"

Zhao Tuan replied, "Young Master Xiu Yan said that Third Master is in seclusion here, and specially sent his subordinates to protect Third Master."

"Now that Third Master has woken up, I will return to my quarters."

Shen Wen'an glanced at the sky and nodded slightly.

"Xiuyan and I are still going to Yunzhong County, so it's really not appropriate for us to talk to you any further."

"Go."

After cupping his hands in greeting, Zhao Tuan transformed into a streak of light and flew away into the distance.

"We need to hurry to Yunzhong County City to repair the inkstone."

As soon as Shen Wen'an spoke, he grabbed Shen Xiuyan's shoulder and flew towards Yunzhong County.

By the time they arrived at Yunzhong County, it was already dawn.

Inside a side room in the backyard of the main hall of the Luoxia Mountain sect.

"I should have arrived much earlier, but a conversation with Xiu Yan on the way gave me a sudden realization that almost caused me to miss something important."

Looking at Jiang Xiuqi and Wei Qiuling in front of him, Shen Wen'an bowed with shame.

Hearing this, Wei Qiuling couldn't help but roll her eyes at him and said, "Luckily, I went to Yunshui City to ask my elder brother beforehand."

"Otherwise, my master would probably already be leading people to Tianyuan Mountain by now."

"Hey—" Jiang Xiuqi looked at Wei Qiuling with some reproach and said, "You can't say that."

"For us Golden Core cultivators, having even one opportunity for sudden enlightenment is extremely rare."

"Wen An's sudden enlightenment has led to a significant improvement in his cultivation, which is a good thing."

Wei Qiuling pursed her lips.

She only dared to speak like that because they were husband and wife; otherwise, she naturally wouldn't have said it.

Shen Wen'an paid no attention to his wife's complaints. After a slight pause, he said in a deep voice, "If Feng Changyou had brought the demon cultivators from Tian Tan Mountain to Tian Yuan Mountain this time, and had not seen the cultivators from the Shen family and Luo Xia Mountain, he probably would not have chosen to fight against Canaan Temple and Huang Sheng Sect."

"If I'm not mistaken, after they retreat from Tianyuan Mountain, they will definitely come to Yunzhong County to demand an explanation."

Jiang Xiuqi nodded.

That's for sure.

The actions of both families were tantamount to playing a trick on Tian Tan Mountain, so it would be strange if Feng Changyou wasn't furious.

"So, we'll still have a fierce battle with Tian Tan Mountain today?"

Wei Qiuling's expression was somewhat solemn.

Luoxia Mountain is currently making every effort to recover its vitality.

If we really fight Tian Tan Mountain today, the strength we have painstakingly accumulated will probably be completely exhausted.

"Does Wen'an have a way to avoid war?"

Jiang Xiuqi suddenly spoke up.

Shen Wen'an remained silent.

He wasn't particularly good at strategy, and couldn't think of a good way to avoid battle right now.

Wei Qiuling frowned for a moment, then a flash of inspiration suddenly struck her.

"Husband, Uncle-Master, if we spread the news about the spirit of Tianyuan Mountain, and make all the forces in Yangnao Land focus on Tianyuan Mountain, will it make Tiantan Mountain temporarily unable to attend to the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain?"

After hearing this, Jiang Xiuqi thought for a moment and then said:

"While this move may temporarily restrain Tian Tan Mountain, the consequences will be quite troublesome."

"With all the major forces gathered at Tianyuan Mountain, a conflict could easily break out."

"At that time, there will likely be great chaos in Yangnao."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an narrowed his eyes and said, "The Yangnao Land will inevitably descend into chaos sooner or later."

"After all the forces have gathered at Tianyuan Mountain, they should still be keeping each other in check for a while."

"No one dared to make a move immediately."

"Once the Azure Vine Sword Pavilion is ready and descends upon the Yangnao Land, this crisis can be resolved."

Huang Lingshan said that as long as no Nascent Soul True Monarch forces intervene, the strength of Qingluo Sword Pavilion is sufficient.

The fact that she could say that meant that although Qingluo Sword Pavilion did not have any Nascent Soul cultivators, its cultivators at the Purple Mansion and Golden Core stages were definitely no weaker than those at Canaan Temple and Tiantan Mountain.

As long as not all the forces in the southern border region join forces, the three families don't need to worry too much.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

Jiang Xiuqi looked at the two of them and asked.

The couple exchanged a glance and then nodded in agreement.

"I will have the news spread immediately, so that all forces know about this before Tian Tan Mountain attacks Yunzhong County City."

Shen Wen'an nodded.

……

Tianyuan Mountain.

Vast, ominous clouds swept in from the north, covering the sky.

Ahead of the demon cloud, Feng Changyou stood side by side with three unfamiliar great demons whose auras were surging. Following closely behind the four were Old Man Jin and a group of experts from Tian Tan Mountain who had reached the Nascent Soul stage.

"Xiao Jin, go check if the people from Luoxia Mountain have arrived yet."

Feng Changyou spoke calmly.

The old man behind him respectfully cupped his hands and then transformed into a golden ray of light, flying towards the other side of Tianyuan Mountain.

After he left, the burly, bare-chested demon on Feng Chang's right said in a low voice, "Brother, this move is really too troublesome."

"According to my brother, we should storm that so-called Luoxia Mountain and the Shen family, capture all their cultivators, and then charge into the ranks of those bald monks at Canaan Temple and slaughter them all!"

"Wouldn't that make it easy to gather enough offerings?"

Upon hearing his words, another scholar with a folding fan immediately snapped the fan shut and slammed it hard on his forehead.

"madness!"

"If we follow your method, my Tian Tan Mountain will directly stand against all forces."

"Even if the spirit is awakened, is Tian Tan Mountain going to fight against the siege of the remaining seven major forces all by itself?"

"Before obtaining the spiritual artifact, the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain were still somewhat useful."

"At least we can't openly tear off the mask of civility."

Upon hearing this, Feng Changyou smiled and agreed, "Second Brother is absolutely right."

"Once the manifestation of spiritual essence appears, all forces in Yangnao Land will surely come to seize it."

"The Shen family and Luoxia Mountain will be the best cannon fodder in the future."

"Once we obtain the spiritual material, both families will be greatly weakened and will no longer have the strength to compete for other spiritual materials."

"In that case, you can't blame Tian Tan Mountain for not helping them."

As soon as he finished speaking, a golden light returned to the demon cloud and transformed into the figure of the old man.

Old Man Jin looked somewhat puzzled and said, "Reporting to the elders, I have flown over a hundred miles but have not seen any cultivators from Luoxia Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Feng Changyou frowned slightly, then cupped his hands to the three Golden Core demons beside him and said, "Please wait a moment, brothers, I'll go see what's going on."

Before he finished speaking, his figure had already disappeared into the clouds.

Flying along Tianyuan Mountain, Feng Changyou soon arrived at Yunzhong County, where Luoxia Mountain is located, but he still did not see the army of cultivators from Luoxia Mountain.

On the contrary, the cities along the way that belonged to the jurisdiction of Luoxia Mountain had all set up protective formations, as if they were on guard against something.

Feng Changyou is not stupid.

At this moment, I realized that Luoxia Mountain was not just slow to arrive, but had never intended to come at all!

A cold glint flashed across his face as he thought of this.

"Good good!"

"It seems you've guessed something..."

"Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure vanished instantly.

On the demonic clouds above Tianyuan Mountain, Feng Changyou returned with a very grim expression.

"Bro, what's going on?"

Seeing his expression, the burly demon asked in confusion.

Feng Changyou sneered: "We've been played."

"Luoxia Mountain probably guessed that my brother wanted to use their disciple as a sacrifice, so they don't plan to send anyone."

Upon hearing this, the burly man was taken aback, then a bloodthirsty sneer appeared on his face: "I told you we shouldn't waste our breath on these two-legged sheep."

In the cultivation world, might makes right.

He raised his fist, which was as big as a sandbag, and immediately yelled, "What the hell are we waiting for?!"

"Men, follow me to that damned Sunset Mountain and seize the sacrificial offerings!"

His voice resonated in the void, and the many demon cultivators on the demonic clouds behind him were all raising their weapons and shouting excitedly.

"Changyou, what do you mean?"

Upon seeing this, the handsome scholar looked at Feng Changyou with a questioning expression.

Feng Changyou's expression was uncertain. After pondering for a moment, he said coldly, "Currently, apart from Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect, other forces do not know that there is a spirit on Tianyuan Mountain."

"Our Tian Tan Mountain must act swiftly and decisively to seize the spiritual essence of this place as soon as possible!"

He paused slightly, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.

"Let's do as Third Brother says."

"Charge towards Yunzhong County!"

"If the offerings from Luoxia Mountain are not enough, then we'll go to the Shen family's Yunshui City!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the overwhelming demonic clouds immediately rolled towards Yunzhong County City!
At the same time, apart from Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect, the other three forces in Yangnao Land received the same message almost simultaneously!
Spirits will appear on Tianyuan Mountain in Zhili Prefecture. Tiantan Mountain, Huangshengzong, and Canaan Temple have already begun to make arrangements on Tianyuan Mountain.

After the news spread, although the three forces still had doubts, since it concerned their spiritual lives, they all believed it was better to believe it than not, and sent people to Tianyuan Mountain to investigate.

When the cultivators from the three parties arrived at Tianyuan Mountain, they indeed saw that Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect had already set up a plan there, and they all instantly realized that the news was very likely true!
In an instant, the three forces mobilized their resources and attacked Tianyuan Mountain.

……

Above Yunzhong County, dark, ominous clouds stretched for hundreds of miles!

The terrifying aura emanating from the clouds caused the many disciples of Luoxia Mountain in the city below to tremble with fear.

In the void, Shen Wen'an and Jiang Xiuqi stood side by side, looking at the four figures in front of the demonic cloud.

"Brother Shen, Fellow Daoist Jiang, how have you been?"

Looking at the two of them, Feng Changyou gave a forced smile and cupped his hands in greeting.

Jiang Xiuqi returned the greeting with a cupped hand and asked in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Feng, what is your purpose in bringing so many cultivators with you this time?"

"What do you intend to do?" Feng Changyou sneered, "In the past, our three families made an alliance to defend each other. Seven days ago, I, Feng, also made an agreement with Fellow Daoist Jiang to jointly deal with Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect today."

Why did Luoxia Mountain want to play tricks on Feng?

"And Brother Shen?" Feng Changyou turned his gaze to Shen Wen'an and said, "I personally went to Yunshui City to pay a visit, but Brother Shen avoided seeing me. I would like to ask you two what your intentions are?"

Shen Wen'an smiled faintly: "Brother Feng, you have indeed wronged me by refusing to see you."

"However, whether someone is innocent or not doesn't seem to matter that much these days."

"Tian Tan Mountain intends to use the Shen family and the disciples of Luo Xia Mountain as sacrifices. Are we not allowed to resist?"

"If we're talking about betraying allies, isn't that the fault of your Tian Tan Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Changyou sneered and said, "As expected, you saw through me."

"They're just some low-level cultivators, why do you two care so much?"

"Spiritual expression is the most important thing."

He paused slightly, then cupped his hands and said, "If you two agree to send troops now, the alliance between our three families will still be valid."

"Once my Tian Tan Mountain obtains that spirit, I will spare no effort to help you two find other spirits. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiuqi secretly transmitted his voice to Shen Wen'an, asking, "Have the other three families made any moves yet?"

"We can't afford to delay any longer."

Shen Wen'an also had some doubts.

Wei Qiuling had the news spread early in the morning, but now that half a day has passed, why haven't the three forces, including Fushan Kingdom and Yinshi Sect, made any moves?
"Damn it, stop wasting your breath on them!"

"I'll take on both of them by myself!"

"Brothers, hurry up and arrest him!"

Seeing that Shen Wen'an and Jiang Xiuqi remained silent, seemingly trying to stall for time, the burly demon immediately lost patience.

They were shouting and about to take action.

The other two Golden Core Realm demons also slowly released their auras, looking at Shen Wen'an and Jiang Xiuqi with hostility.

Just as a great battle was about to break out, a streak of light suddenly flew rapidly from the northeast!
The stream of light arrived above the demonic cloud and transformed into a gaunt middle-aged man.

"Reporting to the elders, something has happened!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Changyou and the others all frowned.

"What happened?"

Feng Changyou seemed to realize something and asked with a grim expression.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, the Yin Corpse Sect, the Fushan Kingdom, and the Great Wushan have all suddenly arrived at Tianyuan Mountain!"

"With the addition of Canaan Temple and Huangsheng Sect, the five forces have now completely occupied the entire Tianyuan Mountain!"

"All our remaining personnel at Tianyuan Mountain have been driven out, and the areas we previously occupied have been divided up by the three newcomers!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Changyou immediately glared angrily at Shen Wen'an and Jiang Xiuqi opposite him!
"You're the ones who leaked the information to the three parties!?"

Shen Wen'an smiled faintly: "I advise Brother Feng to hurry up and take your men back to reclaim the territory."

"Otherwise, even if the spirit emerges, Tian Tan Mountain will probably only be able to watch."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the massive demon beside Feng Chang's right suddenly burst forth from the demon cloud.

"Damn it! You two filthy bastards, how dare you ruin my Tian Tan Mountain's good deed!"

"I'll beat you all to death today, then I can go back and deal with the henchmen!"

The furious voice echoed through the void!
The moment that massive demon pounced, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged behind it, instantly forming a phantom image of a thousand-foot-tall tiger!
Above Yunzhong County, Jiang Xiuqi's spiritual energy surged, ready to make a move to meet his enemy.

Shen Wen'an, however, had already slowly walked forward.

"Don't worry, senior, leave it to me."

With one step, a giant blue lotus suddenly appeared behind him!

The lotus was over a hundred feet tall, with lush green leaves and budding lotus flowers standing gracefully.

Roar!
The enormous phantom tiger let out a roar that shook the heavens and the earth, and its terrifying claws slammed down towards Shen Wen'an!

The blue lotus behind Shen Wen'an swelled in the wind, and the lotus buds, ready to bloom, crashed directly into the tiger's claws that were slapping down!

The moment the two sides made contact, a sword aura suddenly burst forth from the blue lotus seedpod!

The sword energy surged nearly ten thousand feet, piercing through the tiger's claws in the phantom image of the tiger, and then through its chest, emerging from the back of the thousand-foot-tall tiger!

At the same time, a phantom of a sword light flashed in Shen Wen'an's eyes. With a slight thought, the ten-thousand-foot sword light slashed down with unparalleled force!

"Ow!"

The thousand-foot-tall tiger in the void let out a shrill scream, and was directly split in the middle by Shen Wen'an's sword intent with endless sharpness, and slowly dissipated!
After cleaving through the giant tiger's phantom, the sword intent continued its momentum, slashing towards the demonic clouds stretching for hundreds of miles behind it!

In that instant, countless demon cultivators, large and small, from Tian Tan Mountain on the demon cloud were all horrified when they faced the terrifying sword intent that was slashing down. Their bodies trembled like leaves.
Boo!
Just as the longsword radiating endless sharpness was about to fall, the jade-faced scholar beside Feng Chang suddenly leaped up, his figure transforming into a giant crane!

As the crane emitted a clear and melodious cry, nine illusory figures spread their wings and rushed towards the sword intent!
The intense collision erupted, and the resulting energy ripples spread out one after another in this void!
On the side of Yunzhong County City, the protective array's light shield flickered under the impact of the bursting energy ripples.

Meanwhile, the demon cultivators, both large and small, on the demon clouds of Tian Tan Mountain were not so lucky.

One by one, they were all shaken by the aftershocks of the battle between the two Golden Core experts, causing blood to flow from their mouths and noses, and they staggered to the side!
Some unlucky ones were even shaken off the demonic clouds and fell to their deaths on the ground below!

Under the successive impacts of the nine illusory cranes, the ten-thousand-foot-long sword of sword intent finally dissipated.

The giant crane in the void transformed once again into the appearance of a jade-faced scholar, holding a folding fan and solemnly scrutinizing Shen Wen'an, who stood with his hands behind his back.

Back when Shen Wen'an broke through to the Golden Core Sword Immortal realm and held the Golden Core Ceremony, Tian Tan Mountain sent Feng Changyou to Yunshui City in order to befriend the Shen family.

In just over a decade, this handsome scholar never expected that Shen Wen'an's strength would reach such a terrifying level!

A single sword intent not only instantly tore apart the illusory image of a Golden Core Demon King from Tian Tan Mountain, but also had the power to withstand his [Nine Strike of Crane Shadow]. Was this really someone who had only broken through to the Golden Core realm a little over ten years ago?

"Are you coming again?"

Shen Wen'an's gaze swept indifferently over the pale-faced, burly demon, then over the jade-faced scholar and Feng Changyou.

Feng Changyou's face was grim.

Having dealt with Shen Wen'an many times, he never realized that Shen Wen'an's strength was comparable to his own elder brother, who was in the late stage of the Golden Core realm.

The other three groups have now arrived at Tianyuan Mountain.

As Shen Wen'an just said, Tianyuan Mountain is only so big, and spirits may appear anywhere on Tianyuan Mountain.

If Tian Tanshan cannot seize more areas and gain an advantage.

If the spirit appears within the control of other forces, Tian Tan Mountain will lose its advantage and can only watch helplessly.

Thinking of this, Feng Changyou no longer wanted to waste any more time here.

"Brother Shen, you have a good hand. I will remember what happened today. In the future, Tian Tan Mountain will definitely demand an explanation from the Shen family."

"Second brother, let's go."

As soon as he finished speaking, the rolling demonic clouds immediately rushed towards the direction of Tianyuan Mountain again.

(End of this chapter)