Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

On this day, in the Foreign Affairs Hall of the Blazing Sun Sect, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a crimson Daoist robe with an arrogant expression received a decree from the elder in charge.

His name is Zhao Yan, which is exactly the same as the single name of the Golden Core True Person Jin Yan. He is a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator and a powerful external affairs steward in the Lieyang Sect, specializing in dealing with vassal forces and surrounding small sects. He has always been arrogant and haughty.

"Junior Nephew Zhao," the elder in charge stroked his beard and said calmly, "The Qingyun Sect over at Blackwater Marsh seems to be causing some trouble lately, with disciples successively achieving Foundation Establishment, and their sect's formations are quite mysterious. In these turbulent times, our sect, as the leader of the righteous path in the southern region of the Eastern Wilderness, has a responsibility to maintain peace in this area."

"Go and make a trip there, under the pretext of 'mediating disputes in the surrounding area and investigating the movements of the Demonic Sect,' to find out the true nature of the Qingyun Sect. Remember, investigate their strengths and weaknesses, and avoid making enemies easily, but also let them know who truly rules this region!"

Zhao Yan bowed and accepted the order, a disdainful smile playing on his lips: "Rest assured, Elder. What kind of foundation could a mere Qingyun Sect possibly have? This disciple will make them understand that in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness, dragons must coil up and tigers must lie low!"

Three days later, a magnificently decorated crimson flying boat, bearing the banner of the Blazing Sun Sect, brazenly entered the territory of the Azure Cloud Mountain and headed straight for the mountain gate without any attempt to conceal its presence.

The spiritual pressure emanating from the flying boat, from the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, swept across the mountains and forests like invisible ripples, carrying a condescending and scrutinizing air.

"Ugh—!"

The protective array of Qingyun Mountain was immediately alarmed, the clouds surged, and the alarm bells rang! The disciples on duty saw the conspicuous banner of the Lieyang Sect and dared not be negligent. They immediately flew to report to the main peak.

Inside the main hall of the sect leader, Shen Mo was discussing the allocation of sect resources with Su Xiao and Han Lin. Upon hearing the news, both of their expressions turned serious.

"The Blazing Sun Sect? What are they doing here?" Su Xiaoxiu frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes. The Blazing Sun Sect was such a behemoth that the Qingyun Sect at present could not possibly contend with it.

Han Lin stroked his beard and pondered, "Those who come are not friendly; those who are friendly do not come. I'm afraid our sect's recent development has attracted their attention. Using 'mediation' as a pretext to conduct investigations is a common tactic used by these major sects."

Shen Mo's gaze was calm, as if he had expected this: "What's meant to come will come. Avoiding it would only show our guilty conscience. Since they've come, let's see them. Junior Sister Xiao, order the opening of the mountain gate's welcoming formation and treat them with courtesy, but keep the core defense level of the formation unchanged."

"Elder Han, come with me to welcome this envoy from the 'Upper Sect.' Junior Sister Su, you stay at the central command to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."

"Yes!" the two replied in unison.

A moment later, at the main peak plaza of Qingyun Mountain, the clouds parted to both sides, revealing a passage.

Shen Mo and Han Lin stood side by side at the front of the square, with Shi Tie, Sun Hao, Xiong Meng and other Foundation Establishment cultivators behind them. Behind them were the core disciples lined up in neat rows, all with solemn expressions but no sign of panic.

The crimson flying boat slowly landed on the plaza. The boat door opened, and Zhao Yan, dressed in a crimson robe, stepped out with his hands behind his back.

His gaze swept across the crowd in the square, lingering briefly on Shen Mo. When he sensed Shen Mo's late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an even stronger arrogance.

Behind him followed two disciples of the Blazing Sun Sect, both at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, who also had their noses in the air and arrogant expressions.

"Zhao Yan, the external affairs steward of the Lieyang Sect, has come to pay a visit to Sect Leader Shen of the Qingyun Sect on the orders of the elders." Zhao Yan bowed slightly, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable air.

Shen Mo stepped forward, cupped his hands in return, and said with a respectful yet humble expression: "So it is the envoy from the Lieyang Sect who has arrived. I apologize for not greeting you sooner. I am Shen Mo, and the head of the Qingyun Sect. Deacon Zhao, you have come from afar. Please come into the hall and we will serve you tea."

"Sect Leader Shen, you're too kind." Zhao Yan smiled faintly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings, lingering for a moment on the misty protective array surrounding the mountain and on Shi Tie and the others, thinking to himself:

"This Qingyun Sect is indeed quite remarkable. The sect leader is in the late Foundation Establishment stage, and there are several other Foundation Establishment disciples under his command. The mountain-protecting formation is also very profound. No wonder they can stand firm in the chaos."

The group moved to the main hall and took their seats according to their status as hosts and guests. Disciples served fragrant tea.

Zhao Yan took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, and got straight to the point: "Sect Leader Shen, in the Southern Region of the Eastern Wilderness, the Demonic Sect is rampant, and the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Profound Yin Sect are even fighting each other, causing great suffering to the people."

"As a leading righteous sect, our Lieyang Sect cannot bear to see the people suffer. Therefore, we sent Zhao here, firstly to investigate the movements of the Demonic Sect, and secondly to see if any fellow Daoists in the surrounding area need our assistance, in order to maintain peace in this region. I wonder how your sect has managed to remain unscathed in this chaotic world, and even... show signs of prosperity?"

This question was quite tricky, as it not only pointed out the identity of the "leader" of the Lieyang Sect, but also placed the "stability" of the Qingyun Sect in a questionable position.

Shen Mo remained calm and replied, "Steward Zhao, you are wise. Our Qingyun Sect is located in a remote corner, small and weak, and has always been aloof from worldly affairs, only seeking to ensure the continuation of our ancestral lineage. In this calamity, we have survived only thanks to the profound protective formation left by our ancestral master and the united efforts of our disciples."

"As for the slight development, it is only due to the diligence of the disciples and the recent arrival of some independent cultivators, which has slightly increased the popularity. It is really not worth the sect's scorn."

"Oh? Is that so?" Zhao Yan smiled insincerely. "As far as I know, your sect seems to have been in close contact with the Hundred Treasures Pavilion in recent years, and your pills and talismans are quite famous. Moreover, your sect's protective array seems to be no ordinary thing." His words were even more probing.

Shi Tie, standing to the side, was furious. This old man was subtly probing into the sect's secrets. He couldn't help but interrupt in a low voice, "Our sect leader is a master of formations, and the disciples are willing to work hard and live their own lives behind closed doors. Do we need to report to anyone else?"

Zhao Yan's face darkened, and his sharp gaze swept over Shi Tie: "Who is this fellow Daoist? I am speaking with Sect Leader Shen, when did it become your place to interrupt?"

The spiritual pressure of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator subtly pressed down on the stone and iron.

Shi Tieniu glared, his early Foundation Establishment stage qi and blood surging forth, and he actually withstood the pressure, stubbornly trying to refute it.

"Junior Brother Tie, don't be rude." Shen Mo gently waved his hand, and a gentle yet powerful spiritual force quietly spread out, dissolving Zhao Yan's spiritual pressure into nothingness, while stabilizing Shi Tie at the same time.

He looked at Zhao Yan and smiled calmly: "Please forgive me, Steward Zhao. My junior brother Shi is straightforward and has no ill intentions. As for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, it was just a normal transaction, each party getting what they needed. As for the mountain-protecting formation, it was indeed left by our ancestor. It is sufficient for defense, but not enough for offense. I hope you will forgive my ignorance, Steward Zhao."

Zhao Yan felt a chill run down his spine. Shen Mo's seemingly casual move just now demonstrated his exquisite control over spiritual power, which was far beyond what ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators could achieve!

He suppressed his surprise and chuckled twice: "Sect Leader Shen is too modest. Your sect must have extraordinary abilities to stand firm in this chaotic world. My Lieyang Sect intends to unite the righteous forces of the Southern Region to jointly resist the demonic calamity. I wonder if your sect is willing to obey our orders and do your part for the sake of all living beings?"

These words are a blatant attempt to recruit and test the limits of their authority.

Shen Mo sneered inwardly, but on his face he feigned sincerity: "The Blazing Sun Sect is a model for us all, and I, Shen, admire it greatly. Upholding righteousness is our bounden duty. If the sect orders the extermination of the Demonic Sect, my Qingyun Sect is willing to follow suit and serve its commands!"

He first praised the Lieyang Sect, expressing his willingness to obey orders to deal with the "Demon Sect" (Xuanyin Sect), but then changed the subject, "However, internal affairs of a sect, disciples' cultivation, and resource allocation are the foundation of a sect, and are trivial and complicated. I dare not trouble the sect with such matters. Although my sect is small, it has its own rules and traditions, and I hope the sect will understand."

This was a perfectly worded statement, giving face to the Lieyang Sect, expressing compliance, while firmly upholding the sect's core interests and autonomy. The meaning was clear: you can be called upon for a fight, but don't interfere in family matters.