National Division

Chapter 144 Fairy Xuanji: Then let's each rely on our own abilities and have a showdown!
谷河
The death of the leader of the Golden Sands Gang did not affect the outcome of the battle.

The leaders of the Golden Sands Gang, their eyes filled with hatred and anger, each brandished their weapons and launched an attack on Li Xiangzhu of the Corpse Yin Sect.

But Li Xiangzhu, the leader of the Corpse Yin Sect at the Danxia Realm, remained fearless in the face of such a large number of enemies, his face full of mocking smiles.

"Is that all the tricks you've got?"

His tone was full of condescending disdain and dissatisfaction.

Upon seeing this, Liang Yi's thick eyebrows furrowed, and he said coldly, "Let's make our move."

Ji Xian simply uttered a single word: "Okay."

He had just been observing the composition of the Corpse Yin Sect's Taoist priests for this expedition in order to estimate their next tactics against the enemy.

As the two spoke, Liang Yi casually summoned a jade brush and used it to suppress the two Danxia Realm cultivators from the Corpse Yin Sect.

Then, a jade inkstone appeared in his palm, its light clear and bright. As he spoke, he pressed it down on the two Corpse Yin Sect hall masters at the bow of the ship.

Both hall masters were at the Divine Illumination Realm, and they naturally sensed the fluctuations of their fellow cultivators' auras emanating from the high sky.

The old woman sneered, her ferocious face contorted, and said coldly, "You're quite good at hiding!"

As he spoke, the snake-headed cane in his hand left his palm, and with a flash of ghostly light, it quickly transformed into a giant python, stirring up gusts of black hurricane, and crashed into the oncoming inkstone.

Just listen...

"boom…!!!"

The inkstone collided with the giant python, and amidst the overflowing light, the python retreated.

The old woman's body trembled, but her expression quickly returned to normal.

The old man from the Corpse Yin Sect standing to the side had a cold expression. A small black-gold bell appeared in his palm, which grew larger in the wind and soon became three zhang tall.

With the old man urging his spiritual power, the small bell in his palm shone brightly, then emitted a loud "humming" sound, and then the sound waves swept towards Liang Yi like ripples.

Liang Yi was momentarily dazed as he was attacked by the sonic waves.

Just then, Ji Xian snorted coldly, and the gold and jade folding fan in his hand suddenly unleashed a hurricane in mid-air. The wind contained some kind of supernatural power, and the sonic waves that Xiao Zhong had swept over returned to the old man at the same speed.

The old man's expression changed drastically, and he was caught off guard and flustered when faced with the sonic wave that was thrown back at him.

Ji Xian snorted coldly and walked closer. The gold and jade folding fan in his hand flashed out streaks of cold light, pointing towards the old man's face.

But Liang Yi's expression was cold and indifferent. The inkstone in his hand transformed into streaks of dark light, like a black mountain several meters high, which quickly pressed down on the old woman.

The old woman's face darkened with anxiety. She gripped the snake-headed cane tightly in her hand and braced herself to meet the attack head-on.

It can be said that with just that one strike, the old woman had already judged the gap between herself and Liang Yi.

The opponent was a follower of the three orthodox religions, and his Taoist methods were dignified; she was no match for him.

However, her cultivation level was at the late stage of the Divine Illumination Realm, which was superior to the Taoist in front of her, and she could still fight.

……

……

Divine Capital, Kunxu Grotto

Under a clear blue sky with drifting white clouds, cranes occasionally flit between the magnificent palaces and covered bridges.

A magnificent and imposing Jade Palace in the heavens, with exquisite palaces and crystal-clear glazed tiles, where many immortals can be seen coming and going.

This is precisely where the lineage of the Jade Purity Sect resides in the Ancient Yuan Realm.

"By order of the sect leader, all Heavenly Officials of the third rank and above shall ascend to the Divine Firmament Palace for a meeting." Just then, a Daoist boy dressed in white, with red lips and white teeth, flew out of the palace, his clear voice ringing out.

Then, "clang clang..."

The Taoist bell hanging on the willow tree in front of Shenxiao Palace suddenly rang out, its sound melodious and profound.

Then, the Jade Purity Talisman transformed into more than ten streams of light, which flew swiftly towards the dozen or so Dao Palaces in the vast clouds.

Before long, a group of gleaming armored generals, along with celestial officials in exquisite and magnificent robes and carriages, arrived at the Divine Firmament Palace.

Shenxiao Palace, inside the main hall—

The current head of the Jade Purity Sect, Daoist Haoyang, wore a white Shu brocade robe with gold thread. This middle-aged Daoist had his white or gray hair tied up in a Daoist bun. He sat behind a long table, with two young boys serving him with writing brushes and ink on his left and right.

Within the Jade Purity Sect, there is a nine-rank system of celestial officials.

Seated to the left and right were seven third-rank celestial officials, all of whom were rogue immortals at the eighth realm [Tribulation Transcending Realm].

In the Yuqing Great Sect, it is said that the system is modeled after the upper realm and is roughly divided into nine ranks of celestial officials, with only officials in charge and subordinates, and no ranks above or below, totaling eighteen ranks.

The leader of the Jade Purity Sect calls himself Haoyang Daoist and a third-rank Heavenly Official. He is in charge of the Jade Purity Sect's lineage in the ancient Yuan Realm. The sect has Heavenly Officials of ranks from the ninth to the third.

Among the twenty-four third-rank celestial officials, six who are well-versed in religious affairs and willing to handle general affairs are selected every half-year cycle to serve as steward celestial officials, assisting the sect leader in managing general affairs in Kunxu Cave Heaven.

Of course, other third-rank celestial officials would also hold a meeting every five years.

On ordinary days, when the six celestial officials hold a meeting, the nearest third-rank celestial official will be invited to listen in on the religious affairs and express their opinions, but they will not vote.

A total of twenty-five immortal officials of the third rank or above were in charge of the sect's affairs, all of whom were scattered immortals at the Tribulation Transcending Realm.

This also shows the enormous size of the Yuqing Sect's personnel structure.

The Shangqing Sect still needs seven realms [Myriad Manifestations Realm] to gather twenty-eight peak masters, but the Yuqing family was able to find twenty-five Tribulation Transcending Realm cultivators.

There were more than twenty-five, but some of them did not serve as celestial officials.

Before long, all the celestial officials below came from outside and entered the hall, bowing and saying, "Greetings, Sect Leader! Long live the Sect Leader!"

"Please excuse the formalities and take your seats," said Daoist Haoyang, his voice clear and melodious, like the clatter of jade.

In an instant, the celestial officials took their places.

Haoyang Daoist said, "According to my junior brother Cui Shang, the Corpse Yin Sect discovered an ancient immortal site in a blessed land, which is why the Corpse Yin Sect has been spreading the plague throughout Anzhou so recklessly."

Upon hearing this, all the celestial officials in the hall stirred up a commotion.

Ancient Immortal Ruins!

Among the members of the Jade Purity Sect, every Heavenly Official of the fifth rank or above understands the weight of these four words.

Because it must contain a large number of ancient treasures or hidden treasures. As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Cui Shang beside him and instructed, "You can introduce it to the members of the sect."

Amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd, Cui Shang stepped forward from the side, his refined face bearing a clear voice: "My fellow disciples, this is something that the Demon Queen mentioned during the meeting in the Qian Yuan Hall today. It is almost certain that it was an ancient grotto-heaven discovered by the senior disciples of Shangqing when they were fighting with the high-ranking members of the Corpse Yin Sect. It is suspected to be a remnant of the ancient Heavenly Court."

Upon hearing this, the dozen or so third-rank celestial officials seated to the left and right all seemed to be deep in thought.

Tao Jiong, the Shaoyang Daoist, straightened his face and said, "Senior Brother, since this is an ancient immortal's relic, Yuqing should investigate it thoroughly!"

Master Xuanlan frowned and said in a deep voice, "It is only because our Yuqing Sect has stood by and watched the Corpse Yin Sect poison Anzhou that we have already given others a handle to use against us. Moreover, our fellow practitioners from the Shangqing Sect have already taken the lead. If we intervene again, we may cause a conflict."

Although the three religions, especially the Yuqing and Shangqing schools, have gradually diverged in their philosophies over the years, they still need to maintain appearances because they all come from the Xuanmen sect.

For example, regarding the ancient immortal ruins, there has been a consensus that whoever discovers them first and gets involved early will have priority in development.

Tongchen Daoist said in a somber voice, “Sect Leader, this ancient immortal ruin may be of great use to our sect’s grand plan. If we do not investigate it thoroughly, we may miss the opportunity. As you all know, the great calamity has begun, and the fortune is shrouded in mystery. The Demon Queen also has the ambition to overthrow the dynasty and is now colluding with the Buddhist sect to try to subvert the orthodoxy of our Daoist sect. Her heart is worthy of condemnation.”

This Daoist Tongchen clearly forgot that it was Yuqing who first abandoned his post and opposed the Empress's regency, leaving the Empress with no choice but to bring in the Buddhist sect to check and balance Yuqing's lineage.

Two of the three most powerful officials under the Jade Purity Sect Leader agreed, while the other expressed only doubts, thus forming a mainstream opinion within the sect.

Or perhaps, the Yuqing lineage has always been accustomed to being domineering and powerful.

"It's hateful that Sima Zongxian and others in Shangqing are so out of touch with reality, cheering for that wicked empress." Xuanji Sanren's voice was like shattered jade from Kunlun Mountain, clear and cold as frost.

The person was a female Taoist priest with skin as white as jade, delicate eyebrows and eyes, but her cheekbones were slightly high and her face was harsh. She wore a wide Taoist robe, making it impossible to see her figure clearly.

Even without makeup, one could tell that this woman possessed a refined and aloof beauty.

However, when Daoist Haoyang heard the name Sima Zongxian mentioned, his brows furrowed imperceptibly, and he sighed inwardly.

Clearly, even after all these years, Xuanji Sanren has not let go of his hatred for Sima Zongxian.

If one is so deeply immersed in the sea of ​​love and hate, it is feared that one will never attain true immortality.

Holding a bamboo scroll of Daoist scripture, the old man with a broad face and a dignified demeanor said, “We, Yuqing, have no choice but to fight for this matter, because Anzhou and even the entire Hebei Province are under the protection of our Yuqing Sect. If we do not rush to the aid of such a major event, how will the people of the world view our Yuqing lineage?”

Upon hearing this, the four celestial officials in charge of duties suddenly realized the truth.

Yes, they forgot about this other consideration.

The secret passage revealed that Senior Brother Hu was indeed meticulous and far-sighted.

At this point, all five celestial officials had expressed their opinions.

Reaching an agreement means interfering.

"Where is Junior Brother Lei?" The Jade Purity Sect Leader looked at the last serving immortal official—Lei Ding Sanren—and asked, "Junior Brother Lei has always been resolute and decisive in battle. What insightful opinions do you have?"

Lei Ding Sanren remained silent for a moment, then met the gazes of the group. A look of helplessness appeared on his dark face as he said, “Under the great calamity, we immortals must bravely climb to the top. If we do not advance, we will die. We cannot miss any opportunities. However, when the Shangqing Sect summoned us, we hesitated. Now, we are acting for profit, which is unbecoming of a great sect and could easily damage the harmony between our two sects.”

Lin Xuan, a junior brother of the Shangqing Sect, had previously sent him a message via flying sword mentioning the Corpse Yin Sect. He had refrained from helping due to the sect leader's orders, but now that the sect had already taken care of things, it would be rather unkind of him to try and reap the benefits.

Although Lei Ding Sanren and Lin Xuan, the peak master of Taibai Peak, belonged to different sects, they were kindred spirits and could be considered close friends despite their age difference.

Shushi Sanren replied, "Senior Brother Lei, you are mistaken. The Corpse Yin Sect is rampaging through the prefectures and counties. Our Yuqing Sect should naturally slay the demons and save the people from suffering. Why should we consider the feelings of the Shangqing Sect?"

This is one of the twenty-four members of the Jade Purity Sect, a group of eighth-realm [Tribulation Transcending Realm] Loose Immortals.

“Yes, Master, we are also exorcising demons.” Jingxin Jushi, a middle-aged Taoist, chimed in, “Moreover, I heard rumors outside that people are saying that our Yuqing Sect is responsible for the Anzhou incident.”

Cui Shangdao said, "Master, in the imperial court, it seems that the Demon Queen intends to smear the Yuqing Great Sect and stand by and watch. Now, the officials in the court and the country are in an uproar."

Haoyang Daoist's face showed a thoughtful expression, and he nodded and said, "I have also heard some rumors outside."

Then, he looked at Fairy Chi Yao beside him and asked, "What do you think, Junior Sister Chi Yao?"

Fairy Chi Yao was also one of the twenty-four, but not one of the seven who carried out general duties.

Chi Yao Zhenren parted her pink lips slightly and said softly, "Senior Brother, Qingluan mentioned this matter before. Due to the Sect Leader's order, Junior Sister did not take action, but she is a member of the Li Jing clan and went to Anzhou on her own."

Haoyang Daoist's eyes flickered, and he said, "Her sincere and pure heart, and her efforts to save all living beings, are truly commendable."

If the destiny of the ancient Yuan Realm favors the destined female protagonist and insists on a woman ruling the country, believing that the world is turned upside down, he would rather choose Li Qingluan, who comes from the Yuqing lineage, than that demon queen!
Fairy Chi Yao frowned slightly, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed, and said softly, "Master, let's not even talk about whether there's any opportunity. It's not worth breaking our tacit agreement with Shangqing for this. What if our disciples discover the relics of the ancient immortals in the future, and the Shangqing lineage also tries to seize them?"

Fairy Xuanji said coldly, "Then let's each rely on our own abilities and have a match!"

Xuanji and Chiyao are known as the Two Fairy Maidens of Jade Purity.

However, Xuanji is harsh and capricious, while Chi Yao is much more gentle and graceful.

The Daoist Tongchen, who was standing to the side, nodded and said, "Yes, Junior Sister, it's been going on for a long time that the disciples of the Shangqing lineage have been snatching opportunities from the disciples of my Yuqing lineage. Why can we allow the Shangqing lineage to do it, but not the Yuqing lineage?"

Shaoyang Daoist clapped his hands and laughed, "Junior Brother Xuanlan is absolutely right. If they could do the first day of the month, we can do the fifteenth."

Fairy Chi Yao said softly, "Back then, this matter was settled between the two sects in the Great Crimson Sky Cave Heaven. How can we bring up old matters again? Besides, it was only a conflict between disciples at the Divine Illumination and Dao Embryo realms back then, how could it be..."

"That's enough, Senior Sister." Fairy Xuanji interrupted without hesitation, her face as cold as frost. "This is Kunxu Cave Heaven, not Da Chixiao Cave Heaven, much less Qingxuan Cave Heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Fairy Chi Yao paused for a moment, then let out a soft sigh.

The conflict between the sect and the Shangqing lineage is becoming increasingly acute, with fellow disciples frequently threatening to fight. She is caught in the middle and doesn't know what to do.

Suddenly, Daoist Haoyang spoke up: "Fellow disciples, the Corpse Yin Sect is poisoning the common people. It is our Yuqing lineage's duty to slay demons and eliminate evil!"

"Junior Brothers Shaoyang and Xuanlan, you two should lead the Heavenly Officials and Guardian Generals to Anzhou first to investigate the aura and pinpoint the location of the Corpse Yin Sect's plot. The sect will then allocate manpower accordingly."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Shaoyang and Daoist Xuanlan rose and bowed, saying, "We will respectfully obey the sect leader's decree."

Daoist Haoyang nodded and watched the two leave the main hall.

At this moment, Cui Shang hesitated for a moment and said, "Sect Leader, my niece Cui Mei has gone to Anzhou."

Daoist Haoyang frowned, then relaxed and asked, "What is she doing in Anzhou?"

"The letter she left behind said she was going to Anzhou to find her ninth uncle and travel around," Cui Shang explained.

Upon hearing this, Daoist Haoyang pondered for a moment and said, "There is no need to worry about her safety. However, Cui Xu has not sent any communication jade slips in Anzhou for quite some time, and he did not report the Corpse Yin Sect's plan in advance."

Cui Shang's face also showed doubt, and he said, "This matter is also quite puzzling to me."

After thinking for a moment, Daoist Haoyang said, "Once your Uncle Xuanlan goes to Anzhou, the truth will come to light."

Upon hearing this, Cui Shang didn't say anything more.

(End of this chapter)