Inside the temple of Liuxian Main Peak on Jiuxian Mountain.
In the grand hall, elders and stewards excluded, nearly all the true disciples of the main peak and inner sect had gathered.
There were numerous experts, including those who reached the peak of Qi Formation, strong cultivators in the Pulse Formation Realm, and talented disciples who had even reached the later stages of the Pulse Formation Realm.
Seated on the throne in the grand hall, Sect Leader Lin Canglang's face bore a mix of surprise and unease.
Just a short while ago, a disciple guarding the mountain brought back news: the young miss from the Azure Sky Sect, which served as the guardian sect of the Tianbai Empire, Yue Yunlan, made an unexpected visit to the Wenxian Sect!
The Wenxian Sect was a modestly renowned sect within the Seventh Northern District of the Tianbai Empire, whereas the Cangqiong Sect held the esteemed position of being the divine guardian sect of the empire. The gap in their respective statuses was as significant as the contrast between clouds and mud.
Lin Canglang couldn't fathom why the esteemed young miss of the Cangqiong Sect would have any reason to visit the Wenxian Sect.
"During Miss Yue's visit to our Wenxian Sect, ensure that everything is smoothly arranged. Don't neglect the slightest detail!" Lin Canglang's stern gaze swept across the disciples in the hall. "You should be aware of the stature of the Cangqiong Sect. With a mere wave from their sect master, the empire's million-strong army can arrive in the blink of an eye, and our Wenxian Sect could be wiped out in an instant!"
Both elders and disciples wore solemn expressions, fully aware that the sect leader's words were genuine and carried no hint of deceit.
The divine guardian sect possessed the authority to mobilize imperial divine guards, which were made up exclusively of martial artists in the later stages of the Qi Formation Realm and beyond. Among these elite members, a mere gesture could render even the sect leader of the Wenxian Sect powerless, leaving no room for resistance.
"This visit from Miss Yue could be our chance to enhance Wenxian Sect's reputation. If any of you can win her favor, it will indeed showcase your abilities!"
At eighteen, Miss Yue Yunlan of the Cangqiong Sect was in her prime. As the saying went, "Which young girl isn't filled with youthful exuberance?"
If disciples from the Wenxian Sect managed to win Yue Yunlan's favor, it could potentially pave the way for an alliance between the Wenxian Sect and the Cangqiong Sect. After such an event, in the Tianbai Empire, who wouldn't extend respect to the Wenxian Sect?
Certainly, those disciples in the hall, who thought of themselves as somewhat handsome and charming, eagerly began their preparations. Whether Yue Yunlan was considered beautiful or ugly didn't concern them. It's her status as the young lady of the Cangqiong Sect that held significance.
"I believe Miss Yue's visit this time is undoubtedly to find our Senior Brother Yun!"
"Indeed, a year ago, when we journeyed with Senior Brother Yun to Crimson Flame Mountain to defeat the Sky-Swallowing Python, we encountered Miss Yue. During that encounter, Senior Brother Yun fought alongside Miss Yue. It's probable that Miss Yue hasn't forgotten Senior Brother Yun, leading to her visit to our Wenxian Sect this time."
"Yeah, yeah! Senior Brother Yun stands out as one of the foremost talents in our Wenxian Sect. With his exceptional charm and dashing demeanor, it's no wonder Miss Yue has taken notice of him."
Recalling the incident when they accompanied Yun Zheng to Crimson Flame Mountain, several disciples nodded in agreement. They gazed at Senior Brother Yun with flattering expressions, as if Yun Zheng had indeed become the ideal son-in-law for the Cangqiong Sect.
Observing Senior Brother Yun in his white attire, with features reminiscent of jade and eyes resembling stars, he truly exuded a debonair and extraordinary charm!
Elegantly toying with a folding fan in his hands, Yun Zheng dismissed the comments with a smile, saying, "Enough joking my fellow junior brothers, I hardly have what it takes to capture Miss Yue's attention."
Though he took some satisfaction in the flattering remarks, he remained self-aware. He recognized that during the encounter with the Sky-Swallowing Python at Crimson Flame Mountain, Yue Yunlan happened to pass by and saved his life.
Nevertheless, he held some confidence in his own appearance. Given his handsome features, numerous female disciples within the Wenxian Sect had fallen for his charm. If Yue Yunlan was genuinely holding onto those memories, there could be a chance after all.
This was truly a great opportunity!
Leveraging Yue Yunlan's status, for the rest of one's life, one was destined to reach incredible distances and heights!
Contemplating this, Yun Zheng's lips curved into a slight smile as he spoke, "Since my junior brothers have such high regard for me, allow me to personally go and welcome Miss Yue."
Descending from the sect leader's throne, a glint of sharpness flashed in Lin Canglang's eyes. He walked over to Yun Zheng and, placing a pat on his shoulder, inquired, "Zheng'er, is this true?"
Yun Zheng, Lin Canglang's second direct disciple, usually received a measured and respectful treatment as a direct disciple. However, he had never experienced such familiarity before.
Yun Zheng's face bore a smug grin, his heart racing with excitement. "If I marry Miss Yue, it won't matter who they are, whether the sect leader or the master—they'll all end up trying to win my favor. Hahaha!"
"It's true, Master. Miss Yue and I crossed paths briefly before, and I did mention my affiliation with the Wenxian Sect," Yun Zheng chuckled, "However, considering Miss Yue's high status, it's unlikely she would take an interest in someone like me. Most probably, she suddenly recalled having a friend like me and, while passing nearby, decided to take a brief look at our Wenxian Sect."
"Having Miss Yue as a friend would indeed be a stroke of luck," Lin Canglang smiled gently, "Zheng'er, go and attend to Miss Yue courteously, ensure not a single detail is overlooked."
As Ling Feng walked back to the Wenxian Sect along the mountain path, he suddenly spotted a scene beyond the sect's gates. Colorful flags fluttered, lanterns adorned the area, and the entire sect, from top to bottom, appeared in a joyous celebration.
Intrigued, Ling Feng wondered, "Is today a special occasion for the Wenxian Sect? Did someone significant visit our sect?"
Taking a moment to ponder, Ling Feng shrugged subtly, deciding not to dwell on it.
Whatever it was, it held little concern for him. Despite playing the part of Lin Canglang's undercover agent to oversee Duanmu Qingshan, he stood firm in his own beliefs. When it came to matters involving the Wenxian Sect, he remained entirely indifferent.
Venturing into the vast wilderness mountains for training proved incredibly rewarding. In a mere five or six days, he achieved a significant feat—directly breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Formation!
"I should quickly head back to Little Bamboo Peak." Ling Feng had already obtained two treasured items from Li Changqing's possessions.
It was a bag of crystal stones and a manual titled Boundless Sword Steps. Not recognizing the stones, he hurried back to consult Duanmu Qingshan, confident in Duanmu Qingshan's broad knowledge to identify the item.
As he walked forward, two outer sect disciples of the Wenxian Sect rushed towards him, brandishing long swords to bar his way. Their angry shouts rang out, "Who are you? How dare you trespass into the Wenxian Sect!"
It was only at that moment Ling Feng remembered his current appearance—wrapped in animal hide, resembling a mountain hunter rather than a disciple of the Wenxian Sect.
"I'm an inner sect disciple, Ling Feng. Please step aside," Ling Feng said calmly.
"An inner sect disciple? Haha, nice joke! Where's your disciple's attire? Your token of identity?" One disciple on the left glared fiercely at Ling Feng, shouting, "Today is an important day for our Wenxian Sect. I suggest you refrain from causing trouble, or there will be serious consequences!"
Ling Feng's brow furrowed slightly. Dealing with the king of the underworld was easier, and dealing with troublesome spirits was less of a hassle. Even when handling the head of the Wenxian Sect, it wasn't this much trouble.