Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Black Wind Stronghold Chief Hei Yun Sha brought only two trusted confidants with him. His expression was less arrogant than before and more cautious.

Steward Zhou from Qingtai Market and Steward Wang, who had dealings with Qingyun Sect in the trade of pills, also arrived together.

Finally, Jin Dadao, the leader of the Golden Saber Sect, arrived. He was accompanied by two disciples, his expression complex, showing both his past resentment and a hint of barely perceptible apprehension.

After all, the Qingyun Sect now has four Foundation Establishment cultivators, far surpassing the Golden Saber Sect.

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly, Lord Jinmen." Han Lin stepped forward, neither humble nor arrogant.

Jin Dadao forced a smile: "Elder Han, you're too kind. How could I, Jin, not attend your sect's celebration?"

Once all the guests had arrived, totaling more than twenty people, they were led to the newly renovated "Liuyuntai" next to the main peak square.

This platform is made of white jade and offers a wide view overlooking part of the mountain scenery. Several tables and chairs are set up on the platform, and spiritual fruits and fragrant tea have already been prepared.

Shen Mo, dressed in a green robe, stood in front of the stage and greeted the guests with a smile and clasped hands.

"Your presence is an honor to our humble abode, and I, Shen, am deeply grateful."

"Sect Leader Shen, you're too kind!" Everyone returned the greeting, but their gazes were involuntarily drawn to the three Foundation Establishment cultivators, Su Xiao, Shi Tie, and Han Lin, who stood solemnly behind Shen Mo.

The three Foundation Establishment cultivators possessed refined auras, and their presence alone exuded an air of profound composure, causing the guests to feel a sense of awe.

In particular, the undisguised fierce aura of Shi Tie and the unfathomable spiritual pressure of Su Xiao made Jin Dadao, Hei Yunsha and others secretly gasp in amazement.

After the guests and hosts took their seats and exchanged pleasantries for a while, Shen Mo said, "I have invited you all here today for no other reason than to express my gratitude for your past care for our sect, and to take this opportunity to let my disciples practice and ask for your guidance and corrections, so that we do not remain closed-minded and ignorant."

That's a polite way of putting it, but everyone knows it's a way of flexing muscles.

The first event was a "martial arts demonstration." Shi Tie strode to the open space in front of the stage, his voice booming:

"Today, to entertain you fellow Daoists, let my young men from the Battle Hall show off a few basic skills! First match: a battle between late-stage Qi Refining disciples! Sun Hao! Xiong Meng! Step forward!"

"Here!" With two loud shouts, Sun Hao and Xiong Meng, who had been preparing for a long time, leaped into the arena.

Both were at the seventh level of Qi Refining, one wielding a staff and the other an axe, both following a fierce and powerful path.

Without any fancy moves, the two clashed. The shadows of their staffs were like mountains, the wind from their axes howled, and their spiritual energy collided, producing a dull, resounding crash.

The two men's moves were wide and sweeping, yet subtly coordinated, showcasing the power and ferocity of the "Giant Spirit Shaking Mountain Technique" in a vivid way, which drew nods of approval from many of the guests.

"Excellent! The disciples of the Qingyun Sect's Battle Hall truly live up to their reputation!" Zhao Yuanming cheered loudly.

Chen Hao stroked his beard and smiled. Jin Dadao and Hei Yunsha, on the other hand, had solemn expressions. They could see that these two disciples had solid foundations and their combat strength far exceeded that of their peers.

Following that, several groups of mid-stage Qi Refining disciples demonstrated their formation coordination and talisman activation, all of which were well-organized and coordinated, showcasing an extremely high level of training and resource support.

After the martial arts demonstration, it was time for the "visit." Su Xiao stood up and gracefully gestured, "Please follow me, fellow Daoists, to see some of our sect's minor achievements in recent years."

The group first arrived at the expanded herb garden. There, they saw the spiritual fields crisscrossed with paths, and various spiritual herbs were growing vigorously, surrounded by a rich spiritual atmosphere.

Li Xiaocao was leading several disciples in using the "Cloud and Rain Technique" to irrigate the land. Their technique was skillful, and their control over spiritual energy was exquisite.

Grandpa Lin, an expert in spiritual plants, exclaimed in amazement upon seeing this: "Such a large-scale medicinal garden, managed so meticulously and brimming with spiritual energy, truly demonstrates your sect's profound expertise in the field of spiritual plants!"

His granddaughter, Lin Xue, watched with sparkling eyes and whispered to Li Xiaocao.

Afterwards, the group visited the newly built alchemy room and weapon workshop. Although it was only a cursory glance, the disciples inside were busy and orderly, the earth fire was stable, and the faint aroma of medicine and the sound of hammering all indicated that they were not just for show.

Outside the array hall, Zhao Qingyan casually demonstrated a modified "Small Spirit Gathering Array," instantly increasing the surrounding spiritual energy by 30% before quietly dissipating. Her effortless skill secretly astonished the knowledgeable guests.

Finally, the group arrived near the entrance to the Flowing Clouds Secret Realm in the back mountain. The white jade archway was brimming with spiritual energy and mysteriously extraordinary.

Shen Mo did not arrange for his disciples to enter for the demonstration, but simply said, "This is a secret realm left by our patriarch for his disciples to use for training. There are many secrets within, so it is not convenient to show them. Please forgive me."

Although they did not enter, the ancient and profound aura emanating from the secret realm, as well as the mysterious runes flowing on the archway, were enough to make the guests' imaginations run wild and give them a more intuitive understanding of the "foundation" of the Qingyun Sect.

Black Cloud Demon recalled the past and broke out in a cold sweat, thankful that he hadn't gone too far back then.

After the tour, we returned to Liuyuntai, where a sumptuous yet elegant banquet had been prepared. During the meal, the spirit wine was fragrant, the food exquisite, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Shen Mo spoke calmly, maintaining the demeanor of a sect leader. He showed consideration for all factions, thanking the Zhao family and Baibaoge for their long-term support, affirming the cooperation between Linjiaji and Heifengzhai, and even taking the initiative to chat with Jin Dadao, inquiring about the recent situation of Jin Dao Sect. His tone was calm and he gave Jin Dadao plenty of face.

Jin Dadao was filled with mixed feelings, but seeing that Qingyun Sect was now powerful and that the sect leader had taken the initiative to be friendly, he took the opportunity to back down and repeatedly expressed that he had misunderstood the past and that he should be closer to Qingyun Sect in the future.

Hei Yun Sha even patted his chest and guaranteed that the small mines under the jurisdiction of Hei Feng Village were willing to deepen cooperation with Qing Yun Sect.

As the banquet reached its climax, Manager Chen Hao rose, raised his glass, and said with a radiant smile, "Today, witnessing the grandeur of the Qingyun Sect, I truly understand what the demeanor of a great immortal sect is! Sect Leader Shen's leadership is superb, and his disciples are producing such outstanding talents; we are truly in awe!"

"Our Hundred Treasures Pavilion wishes to forge a closer alliance with your sect. From now on, we will give priority to purchasing any pills and magical artifacts produced by your sect at a price 10% higher than the market price! We will also prioritize supplying any materials you require!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanming could no longer remain seated and quickly stood up: "My Zhao family is also willing to stand with the Qingyun Sect through thick and thin! From now on, we are willing to share 30% of the profits from Black Mountain City with your sect!"

This is a huge concession, and it also shows the Zhao family's determination to completely bind them.

Lin Jiaji's patriarch and Hei Fengzhai's Hei Yunsha also expressed their willingness to deepen cooperation in various fields.

Seeing this, Jin Dadao had no choice but to bite the bullet and express that the Jin Dao Sect was willing to resolve past grievances with the Qingyun Sect and exchange resources.

Shen Mo smiled and raised his glass in response, neither overly enthusiastic nor pretentious, striking the perfect balance.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, fellow Daoists. The Qingyun Sect is willing to join hands with you all to seek common development and help each other."

"Our sect's mission is to cultivate oneself in seclusion and seek the Dao, without engaging in worldly strife. We only desire peace and tranquility in this region, and together explore the Great Dao."

"May we, like the name of this Flowing Cloud Terrace, gather and disperse as freely as flowing clouds, helping and benefiting each other."

These words, while acknowledging goodwill, also demonstrated an attitude of not seeking expansion or hegemony, which completely relieved the guests who were still somewhat uneasy, such as Jin Dadao and Hei Yunsha, and they secretly praised Shen Mo's magnanimity.