There are no ancestors at all; I made them all up.

Chapter 249 is all about big things!

"This is considered a small matter?"

Both Canglang Jushi and Shi Chongshan were taken aback upon hearing this, their faces showing astonishment.

In their view, the position of leader is related to authority and prestige, and should govern all parties. Once people's hearts are unsettled, the foundation may be shaken. How can it be taken lightly?

However, the two of them soon noticed that Chen Qing's aura was even more profound and unfathomable than before, and they were both amazed.

Canglang Jushi tentatively asked, "Alliance Leader, has your cultivation improved again during this seclusion?"

Chen Qing did not hide anything: "I have made some progress, and I have indeed made some progress."

The two exchanged a glance, both of them filled with turbulent emotions.

When this alliance leader first ascended to the throne, he was able to forcefully subdue the envoy from Nan Yan Continent. Now, after half a year of seclusion, he claims to have made "further progress"? This speed of progress is simply too unbelievable!
Suppressing his shock, the Canglang Hermit hurriedly revealed what he knew: "Among the various sects in Nanbin, the most rebellious is the Laogu Master of Blackwater Ravine. Relying on the fact that his son has been favored by a prodigy from the Eastern Spirit and taken as a follower, he has been running around and making connections everywhere recently, his arrogance is extremely rampant! In addition, the Chishawu and Qingmu Cliff sects have also made some unusual moves, as if they are watching and waiting. If they are allowed to grow stronger, I fear there may be trouble from within their ranks!"

Chen Qing listened quietly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Shi Chongshan couldn't help but add, "Alliance Leader, although these families are not to be feared, we should still treat them with leniency. Firstly, to avoid other affiliated sects feeling a sense of shared fate; secondly, behind them, more or less, are the shadows of those geniuses from the heart of Dongling. Those geniuses are all famous figures on the 'Star Luo Ranking,' with profound backgrounds, and should not be easily offended."

"The Star Ranking?" Chen Qing raised an eyebrow, showing some interest. "What's the story behind this ranking?"

Canglang Jushi said, "Reporting to the Alliance Leader, this list is said to have been jointly determined by the giants of various factions in the Eastern Spirit Kingdom. It is specifically established for Golden Core cultivators throughout the world. Those who are on the list will not only have a far-reaching reputation, but will also receive real benefits. In particular, those who rank higher are said to have the opportunity to obtain certain scarce resources needed to condense their Nascent Soul, and even the qualification to enter specific secret realms to comprehend the scenery of heaven and earth! This is a shortcut to heaven, and countless geniuses have fought tooth and nail for it."

Chen Qingqi asked, "The Northern and Southern Dynasties, and the thirty-three major sects, joined forces to handle this matter?"

Shi Chongshan smiled bitterly: "The specific details are beyond our comprehension. We've only heard that the waters behind this are extremely deep and involve a wide range of people. If the Alliance Leader wants to be on the list..."

“I have little interest in this list,” Chen Qing shook his head, then changed the subject, “but since those geniuses came here for the ruins trial, why not prepare properly instead of stirring up trouble in this shallow pool of Nanbin?”

Canglang Jushi sighed, "Perhaps it's their nature. When they first arrive, they always need people to run errands for them. People like Laogu Shangren actively try to curry favor with them. One side wants to take advantage of their power, and the other is happy to be driven around. Naturally, they hit it off immediately. Perhaps in the eyes of those in the heartland, this place is like a chicken rib, but if they can find a proxy, they can seize control. That's not bad."

"Alliance Leader," Shi Chongshan reminded him solemnly, "Normally, once an alliance is formed, there should be two or three decades of peace. But now that external forces have intervened, the situation has changed. The Taiyin Ruins have inexplicably turned around and are pointing directly at Mingxia Mountain. A storm is brewing. The Alliance Leader needs to make a decision as soon as possible."

Chen Qing was about to speak when a thought suddenly struck him, and he turned to look out of the mountains.

"Oh? I didn't expect there would be such a good show."

The remaining two were about to ask more questions when they were suddenly interrupted by a loud roar!
"Rumble..."

In the distance, streaks of brilliant light bloomed, followed by surging blood-red clouds that obscured a patch of sky!
The ground shook!

"There are powerful figures engaged in a magical duel!"

The two men, Canglang Jushi and his companion, felt the terrifying pressure emanating from afar, and their minds began to tremble. Their hearts immediately tightened.

"It's alright," Chen Qing said calmly. "This matter won't affect this area. Now I can finally sit back and watch the drama unfold. Perfect, I have something else I'd like to ask you. Have you ever heard of such a mountain…?"

Then, he directly shifted the topic to the mountain he had seen, but the two people opposite him seemed both helpless and puzzled. They dared not not answer and could only shake their heads, while the rumbling sound continued to come from outside.

"This mountain has a golden sun hanging at its summit, its waist covered with twisted dark spots, and its foot shrouded in gray mist..."

Xiaoyingzhou, Wuqi Pavilion.

Inside the elegant room, Bai Shaoyou sat at the lower end, conversing with a young man opposite him who bore a resemblance to him but appeared more composed and mature.

This person was Bai Shaoyou's elder brother, named Bai Qichen.

Bai Qichen listened to Bai Shaoyou's question, pondered for a moment, and said, "I have seen a similar description on a fragment of a map. It is called Jiming Mountain. It is said to be related to a certain ancient Taoist lineage that has been lost. The record is vague and is regarded as an absurd legend."

Upon hearing this, Bai Shaoyou's face immediately lit up with excitement: "Brother, do you know its exact location?"

"I only caught a glimpse of that fragment by chance, and my impression of it is vague." Bai Qichen waved his hand. "However, since your master asked about it, Shaoyou, I will send a message back later and order someone to carefully search for that map record. I will inform you as soon as I have any news."

"Thank you, brother!" Bai Shaoyou said, his face beaming with joy. Bai Qichen nodded slightly, then changed the subject, his expression turning serious: "I will keep this matter in mind. However, Shaoyou, there is another matter that I have summoned you here today. The Taiyin Ruins are showing unusual activity and are shifting towards Mingxia Mountain. There may be unforeseen changes. For the next two days, you will stay in Xiaoyingzhou and not return to the mountain gate."

Bai Shaoyou was taken aback, then immediately said, "Brother, it is precisely because the sect may face changes that I should return! How can a true man live in this world and not move forward in the face of difficulties?"

"You are a cultivator, not some great man!" Bai Qichen frowned slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "I know you are loyal to your sect, but this time is different! The relic's movement involves a huge number of people, and the center of the vortex is extremely dangerous. Moreover, those who have come to track the relic are the true elites of the Eastern Spirit Continent, including several who are ranked at the top of the Star Luo Ranking! Especially Lie Fenyun of Yanpo Island and Luo Shuanghua of Taibai Sword Sect, both of whom are the best of their generation, only one step away from condensing their Nascent Soul! The sects behind them have enormous power and act recklessly. Your cultivation is still shallow. If you get involved, you may become an innocent bystander!"

Bai Shaoyou raised his head and said, "Master Chen is no ordinary person! Now that he has come out of seclusion, he must have a plan."

Bai Qichen sighed and said, "Shaoyou, I don't mean to underestimate your master. He has extraordinary abilities to rise so quickly in Nanbin. However, on the path of cultivation, talent, opportunities, and resources are all indispensable. Sect Leader Chen started from humble beginnings. Even with his exceptional talent and the ninth level of Core Formation, he is still somewhat inferior to those like Lie and Luo, who have been nurtured by major sects since childhood and have deep foundations. This difference may not be in cultivation level, but rather in circumstances. Otherwise, he should have been able to obtain a place in the trial grounds this time. Why didn't he even get a spot?"

Seeing that Bai Shaoyou was about to argue, he raised his hand to stop him, and his tone softened a bit: "I know your intentions and respect your choice. The Bai family is not unable to support Mingxia Mountain, but the premise is that you cannot put yourself in uncontrollable danger as a result. This is the bottom line."

He paused, looked directly at Bai Shaoyou, and dropped another bombshell: "Furthermore, the reason I'm letting you stay this time is because your family has already arranged a marriage for you."

"A marriage contract?!" Bai Shaoyou's eyes widened, and he swallowed the rest of his words, looking completely astonished.

“Not bad.” Bai Qichen said calmly, “The other party is an elite disciple of the Crescent Moon Pavilion named Su Lan. The Crescent Moon Pavilion is a branch of the ice vein of the Guanghan Palace during the Immortal Dynasty and has a deep connection with the Taiyin Sect. She has come here to participate in the trial and may gain something. It was a good thing that you invited yourself to come to Nanbin for training, but you abandoned your duties and joined a small sect, spending your energy on its management. In your father’s eyes, this is really neglecting your duties.”

He changed the subject, his tone revealing a hint of protectiveness: "But I know you have great ambitions and are unconventional, so I have done my best to facilitate this marriage for you. If the marriage is successful, you will gain more support and a stronger voice in your family. In the future, whether you stay in Mingxia Mountain or pursue your own path, the obstacles will be much smaller. This is the best outcome I can achieve for you."

Hearing his brother's words, Bai Shaoyou's resistance and astonishment gradually faded.

He lowered his head in thought.

The room fell silent for a moment.

At this time, a burst of rapid footsteps came.

"Squeak-"

The door was pushed open, and Manager Zhou rushed in, disregarding all formalities, and went straight to Bai Qichen, urgently saying, "Young Master, I just received news that the Golden Core cultivators of the three major sects of the Southern Flame Continent's Seven Demonic Lineages—the Nine Nether Demon Palace, the Heart Demon Dao Sect, and the Starfall Demon Abyss—have appeared near Mount Mingxia! It is said that they have already clashed with several prodigies from the Eastern Spirit Sects, and both sides are testing each other!"

"The three lineages of the Demonic Sect?" Bai Qichen frowned. "They also came for the Taiyin Ruins? Could it be that there really is a demonic inheritance in those ruins that has drawn them in?"

Shopkeeper Zhou shook his head with a wry smile and lowered his voice, saying, "The scouts reported that their trip was not for the ruins, but... to find someone."

"Whom are you looking for?"

"The Ink Master of the Blood Marrow Hall, Jun Wuyai!"

As Manager Zhou spoke, he presented a jade slip and said, "This person is skilled in divination and fortune telling, and his whereabouts are mysterious. He suddenly disappeared half a year ago. At first, no one paid any attention to him, but then a series of incidents occurred. First, the wife of the Nine Nether Demon Palace's master became pregnant unexpectedly, and according to rumors circulating within the palace, this person is involved. Then, the Heart Demon Sect had a crucial item stolen, and all clues point to Master Mo Shu. The most outrageous case is Starfall Demon Abyss, whose young master mysteriously disappeared. Although there is no evidence, many within the Demon Abyss believe it was Jun Wuyai's doing! These three families are furious, which is why they have joined forces to investigate!"

"..."

Bai Qichen's expression shifted rapidly as he listened, and after a long while, he finally exhaled and said, "This Jun Wuyai has really accomplished something great! However, how did they end up searching for someone at Mingxia Mountain? If it weren't for the unusual activity at the Taiyin Ruins that drew those guys on the Star Luo Ranking there as well, and the two sides accidentally bumping into each other, I'm afraid these demon bastards would still be secretly spying on us, unknown to anyone!"

After a moment's thought, he understood the situation. The Demonic Sect had not arrived at the same time as the Eastern Spirit Prodigy by chance, but had been lying in wait in the shadows. They were only forced to expose their whereabouts because of the movement of the ruins.

Immediately, Bai Qichen turned to Bai Shaoyou, his tone resolute: "Shaoyou, did you hear that? Mingxia Mountain has become a place of trouble, where immortals and demons converge, and the situation is fraught with danger. You must not go back!" But he knew his brother's character well, and as he spoke, he raised his hand and pressed down, sending a golden bell crashing down to subdue Bai Shaoyou!

However, Bai Shaoyou seemed to have been prepared. His aura suddenly blended with his surroundings, and with a swift movement of his feet, he nimbly and skillfully avoided the golden bell, rushing straight out of the pavilion. He said, "Mingxia Mountain is the lifeblood of Master Chen and me. How can we allow outsiders to run rampant!"

Bai Qichen's hand missed its target, and a look of surprise appeared on his face: "What kind of movement technique is that?"

Bai Shaoyou was already outside the door, his voice carrying from afar: "This is the 'Qi Harmonizing with the Four Directions' method that I comprehended half a year ago when I listened to Master Chen's lectures! If you don't want anything to happen to me, brother, bring your men to my aid!" After saying that, he lunged forward, and a flying boat carried him away!
Bai Qichen stood there, stunned, staring in the direction his brother had left. He laughed angrily, "Fine, fine! He's certainly loyal to this new sect! I'd like to see what kind of bewitching potion that Sect Leader Chen has given my brother!"

He flicked his sleeve, his face ashen.

"Gather your men and come with me to Mingxia Mountain!"

(End of this chapter)