Chapter 196: Wanluo Great Peak

"It isn't hard to guess just by looking at the pained and indignant expressions of Zhen Gongyu and his wife." Xia Daoming pointed behind Lu Ziying, then continued, "Moreover, Clan Leader Lu didn't send Su Yun or Elder Sanxia to come forward, but sent you instead. Clearly, he doesn't want the situation to escalate and has the intention of making concessions. After all, you are still just a new elder, with no great fame or prestige outside; if you really do concede, it won't be too much of a blow to your face."

"Uncle-Master's observation is keen, seeing through the fire as if it were clear. The Clan Leader did indeed give me this instruction before sending me here. After all, the Spirit Ba Dao Men is powerful, and our Lu Clan has only just risen; there are some losses that must be endured." Lu Ziying said with a look of admiration.

"Let's talk about other matters," Xia Daoming said again.

Lu Ziying deliberated for a moment, then picked a few more matters to discuss.

These were all events that had occurred in the last year. The ones causing trouble were either the Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan, or their affiliated forces, and in the end, it basically always ended with the Lu Clan making concessions to smooth things over.

This time, the area of the spirit fields on Guiyun Mountain was not small, and the party directly involved was only the Qu Clan. Lu Jinglong was somewhat unwilling to hand it over completely and still hoped to fight for at least a little bit back, which was why he sent Lu Ziying to come forward.

"Why didn't you send someone to notify me?" Xia Daoming's expression turned somewhat unpleasant after listening.

Before speaking, Xia Daoming had already formed a hand seal to isolate the sound.

Xia Daoming did not want outsiders to know his true identity within the Lu Clan for the time being.

"The Clan Leader said that the rise of any force must go through hardships, and only by experiencing wind, rain, and struggle can this force truly grow. We cannot ask Uncle-Master for help just because of some minor difficulties."

"Daoming, how did you suddenly come to Wanluo Xianshan this time? Could it be that you came for the Wanluo Secret Realm?" In Lu Ye's home, as Lu Huiyun personally served Xia Daoming tea and pastries, Lu Ye couldn't help but ask curiously.

Lu Ziying had confidence in reaching Qi Refinement perfection in the coming years.

"As long as Xu Shixiong is not dull-witted, there should be no problem!" Xia Daoming smiled.

In the past, he certainly wouldn't have dared to say this so easily.

Between Qi Refinement perfection and Foundation Establishment, it seemed like only one step away, but in reality, this step was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"It has a certain connection to the Wanluo Secret Realm. Why, does Xu Shixiong also know about the Wanluo Secret Realm?" Xia Daoming said.

How many Qi Refinement cultivators ultimately stop here.

"Clan Leader Lu is indeed far-sighted and thorough; I was just being overly concerned. For the Lu Clan to truly rise, it does indeed need to go through hardships and struggle; it cannot be achieved in one leap."

"The Clan Leader also said that Uncle-Master has twice saved the Lu Clan from the disaster of extermination and has vigorously cultivated him and the Lu Clan disciples. The Lu Clan must strive to become Uncle-Master's help, not a burden; otherwise, it would be ungrateful and returning kindness with enmity. Therefore, unless it is a critical moment, we cannot easily disturb Uncle-Master," Lu Ziying said.

Seeing Lu Ziying's shocked expression, Xia Daoming smiled.

"Godfather!" Especially Especially Lu Yunjin, who was walking his horse at Seeking Immortal Cliff, saw Xia Daoming immediately and galloped over on horseback.

This grass was the precious fodder used by the Profound Heaven Sect to feed flying horses.

Tiaxue still recognized Xia Daoming.

"Don't get too smug. In these few years, the Lu Clan has developed rapidly, and many people have come to seek refuge, including some formidable figures. Being a tenth-rank Grandmaster in the past was enough to sit in the position of an elder, but now it is still somewhat difficult to convince the masses. In front of Daoming, showing off a little is fine, but in front of outsiders, you should try to restrain yourself, lest people feel jealous and think you are a petty person who has achieved success," Lu Huiyun said with a stern face upon seeing this.

Only when Lu Ye heard the news and rushed over, looking at his as-always fat head and thick neck, Xia Daoming looked at Especially Especially Lu Yunjin again and could no longer see the shadow of a handsome man.

"Haha, Xu Shixiong is right," Xia Daoming laughed.

Only, these words, coming from Xia Daoming's mouth now, seemed to make Foundation Establishment seem like no big deal.

As he spoke, Xia Daoming took a pill bottle containing three Flood Dragon Origin Pills from his storage ring and handed it to Lu Ye, saying, "This is the Flood Dragon Origin Pill, most suitable for Grandmasters who cultivate the Dragon-Snake Art. If Xu Shixiong takes one every half year, you should soon be able to become an eleventh-rank Grandmaster. As for a Great Grandmaster, it is estimated that you will still need to settle and temper yourself for several years, but the problem shouldn't be too big."

"Uncle-Master is right, blindly conceding definitely won't work. Therefore, the Clan Leader has recently been using a three-pronged approach: first, strengthening exchanges with the Meng Clan, hoping to use the Meng Clan to contain and pressure the Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan; second, increasing efforts to cultivate personnel, even for the loose cultivators who come to seek refuge, as long as their character is reliable, loyal, and they have the talent for cultivation, he spares no resources to cultivate them. Third, trying our best to raise spirit stones, preparing to purchase several powerful magic treasures in the coming years to enhance our strength," Lu Ziying said.

While speaking, the flying boat flew over to Seeking Immortal Cliff on Jin Guifeng.

Xia Daoming had seen it once in the marketplace and bought some.

"Don't worry, having walked through so many years of wind and rain, I have a sense of it. It's just that Daoming is back today, and I'm happy in my heart, plus it's rare to have a chance to show off in front of Daoming, so I had to seize the opportunity, right?" Lu Ye laughed.

Spending a few more spirit stones, for the current Xia Daoming, naturally didn't count as anything.

But regarding Foundation Establishment, she really didn't dare to think deeply about it for the time being.

Then Xia Daoming asked about the situation of Lu Ye and his wife, as well as his godson Especially Especially Lu Yunjin.

Otherwise, not only would the Lu Clan always be under Uncle-Master's protection and unable to grow, but Uncle-Master would also be endlessly annoyed, always dragged down by trivial matters, affecting his cultivation, and ultimately losing the true meaning of supporting the Lu Clan.

"What, I have hope of becoming a Great Grandmaster?" Lu Ye was shaken to his core, so shocked that his chin almost hit the ground.

From Lu Ziying, Xia Daoming learned that Lu Huiyun was now a ninth-rank Grandmaster, but Lu Ye was even more formidable, already a tenth-rank Grandmaster, and his godson, Especially Especially Lu Yunjin, actually had good cultivation talent; he was eleven years old this year, had been cultivating for four years, and had already reached the second layer of Qi Refinement, laying a solid foundation.

"Magic treasures don't need to be purchased; I have them on hand, and I can give them to the Lu Clan first, just consider it a credit. However, the Lu Clan only has the Clan Leader as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, which is ultimately somewhat difficult to support alone. You must reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible," Xia Daoming said, rubbing his chin.

Xia Daoming rubbed its head, took a basket of Spirit Pine Grass from his storage ring, placed it on the ground, and said, "Brought this specially for you, but take it easy when eating; just eat ten or so mouthfuls per meal."

The eleven-year-old Especially Especially Lu Yunjin had delicate features, and one could already see the shadow of a handsome man.

"I will reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible!" Lu Ziying was stunned when she heard this.

"That goes without saying, don't forget that I, your Xu Shixiong, am now a Lu Clan elder!" Lu Ye said proudly.

It is estimated that when he grows up a bit more and his mind matures, his cultivation speed will be even faster.

"However, blindly conceding will only make the Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan push for more, constantly compressing the Lu Clan's development space, and will also strike at the Lu Clan's morale. In the long run, the Lu Clan's hearts will scatter, and it will be impossible to develop," Xia Daoming said in a deep voice.

As soon as Xia Daoming arrived, it stuck to his side, constantly rubbing against him with its head and neck.

Tiaxue rubbed against Xia Daoming affectionately two more times before happily going to eat the Spirit Pine Grass.

"Xu Shixiong is now an elder? Then I must congratulate you!" Xia Daoming smiled, stood up, and cupped his hands.

"Look at how smug you are. You were only able to sit in the position of an elder because of Daoming!" Lu Huiyun rolled her eyes at him, exposing his true colors without any politeness.

Only now, with Lu Ziying's cultivation and astonishing talent, wanting her to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible was nothing more than a matter of spending a few more spirit stones.

"Haha! It's nothing, it's nothing!" Lu Ye put on a humble posture, but his face was full of pride.

The energy contained in the body of the Nether Water Flood Dragon used to refine this Flood Dragon Origin Pill could already be compared to that of a Foundation Establishment perfection cultivator.

Even if half a body could refine more than a hundred Flood Dragon Origin Pills, the energy contained in each pill was extremely considerable.

"Then, doesn't that mean there is a 100% hope of becoming a Great Grandmaster?" Lu Huiyun exclaimed.

Xia Daoming smiled, took another pill bottle from his storage ring, and handed it to Lu Huiyun, saying, "That Flood Dragon Origin Pill's medicinal power is too fierce. Xu Shixiong cultivates the Dragon-Snake Art, and his qi and strength have points of compatibility with the medicinal power, so he can withstand it, but Sister-in-law cannot, so I prepared another portion of spirit pills. Only, the medicinal power and efficacy certainly cannot compare to the Flood Dragon Origin Pill, so Sister-in-law, just make do with taking these."

"Don't say that, don't say that," Lu Huiyun hurriedly took the pill bottle.

Just as they were speaking, Lu Jinglong heard the news and rushed over.

"Greetings, Young Master." Lu Jinglong bowed respectfully.

"Old Lu, don't be so formal, sit." Xia Daoming smiled and waved his hand, inviting Lu Jinglong to sit down.

"Yes!" Lu Jinglong sat upright.

Lu Ziying hurriedly served tea and pastries to Lu Jinglong as well.

"Young Master, did you come here this time for the Wanluo Secret Realm?" After some pleasantries, Lu Jinglong asked.

"It is indeed related to the Wanluo Secret Realm." Xia Daoming nodded and roughly recounted the matter of Mo Zhanglao sending him to join forces with Mo Rujun.

"Congratulations to Young Master for becoming a disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect." Lu Jinglong was overjoyed after hearing this, stood up, and cupped his hands to congratulate him, then hesitated and added, "Young Master rejected the Mo Clan's proposal, will Mo Zhanglao..."

Xia Daoming didn't wait for Lu Jinglong to finish speaking, but already smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Mo Zhanglao sees herself as a member of the Mo Clan, which is why she acted on her own initiative. It's just a pity that Mo Bowen considers himself a Foundation Establishment mid-stage expert and doesn't like Mo Zhanglao pointing fingers at Mo Clan affairs, already treating her as an outsider."

"Therefore, on the surface, it was I who rejected the Mo Clan's proposal, but in reality, it was the Mo Clan that rejected Mo Zhanglao's good intentions. Mo Zhanglao is a reasonable person; she should understand that the Mo Clan is the Mo Clan, and she is ultimately a disciple of the Profound Heaven Sect. Even if she doesn't understand, it doesn't matter to me."

Lu Jinglong nodded repeatedly as he listened to the previous words, deeply agreeing.

However, when he heard the last sentence, Lu Jinglong's heart was shaken violently.

Listening to the tone, from the simple "it doesn't matter," Lu Jinglong already understood that Xia Daoming's strength was probably no longer something Mo Yongzhi could afford to provoke.

"By the way, does the Lu Clan have a token to enter the Wanluo Secret Realm?" Xia Daoming asked.

"We obtained one from the Lou Clan of Thousand Springs Valley more than three years ago. Recently, there has been unusual movement at Wanluo Great Peak, and I originally wanted to inform Young Master.

But thinking that this Wanluo Secret Realm is not some great opportunity, there was no need to disturb Young Master, so I didn't send anyone to notify Young Master," Lu Jinglong replied.

"Originally, I thought about giving the one I have on hand to Ziying so she could go and temper herself. Since the Lu Clan already has one, and I'm here anyway, I'll go on this trip with her, see the Wanluo Secret Realm, and see if there are any unexpected gains," Xia Daoming said.

"Originally, I was worried about Ziying being alone without anyone to look after her, fearing there might be dangers, and was just wondering whether to join forces with the Meng Clan. Now that Young Master is accompanying Ziying on this trip, it will be foolproof," Lu Jinglong said with great joy upon hearing this.

"Speaking of the Meng Clan, I did hear from Ziying that in order to resist the suppression by the Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan, the Lu Clan is currently striving to strengthen exchanges with the Meng Clan," Xia Daoming said.

"The Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan are powerful, and now the Lu Clan is weak, so we have to borrow the strength of the Meng Clan," Lu Jinglong replied.

"I understand your intentions, but these are all stopgap measures; the key is still to develop your own strength as soon as possible. I have a batch of high-quality magic treasures on hand, and I can lend some to the Lu Clan first.

As for Ziying, after this trip to the Wanluo Secret Realm, she can follow me to Changqing City. The place I rent has a third-rank spirit vein flowing through it, which is beneficial for her cultivation and Foundation Establishment, and there is also a Foundation Establishment mid-stage friend living next door who can somewhat guide Ziying's cultivation and even Foundation Establishment.

In addition, regarding the Spirit Ba Dao Men and the Xie Clan, you don't need to blindly concede in the future; when it's time to be tough, you should be appropriately tough. If things really get blown out of proportion, at worst, I'll just step in secretly," Xia Daoming said.

"Thank you, Young Master!" Lu Jinglong was both surprised and happy when he heard this, and hurriedly stood up and bowed to Xia Daoming until his back was parallel to the ground.

——

Qingyun City.

Mo Zhanglao's mansion, study.

Mo Yongzhi looked at the letter in her hand, and a look of loneliness and complexity inadvertently appeared on her face.

"Sigh! It seems I was meddling!" Mo Yongzhi let out a long sigh, and the letter in her hand burned without fire, turning into ashes in the blink of an eye.

"Knock! Knock!"

At this moment, a knock on the door sounded.

"Push the door and come in," Mo Yongzhi said indifferently.

The door was pushed open, and Watching Lan Xue walked into the study cautiously, bowing and saluting to Mo Zhanglao, saying, "Disciple greets Elder."

"You're here, sit!" Mo Yongzhi pointed to the chair on the side.

"Disciple dare not, disciple will just stand," Watching Lan Xue said softly.

In the past, in front of Mo Zhanglao, she had no qualifications to sit.

Of course, in the past, she also had no qualifications to enter Mo Zhanglao's study.

"You are already an inner sect disciple, no need to be so restrained, sit," Mo Zhanglao said.

"Yes!" Watching Lan Xue then sat down.

"Outer sect disciples who want to learn Daoist methods, or ask questions about Daoist methods, need to go to the Chuan Gong Hall, and there are many rules for teaching and resolving doubts there. Usually, it is only the managing disciples who teach and resolve doubts, and the Chuan Gong Elder only opens the altar to teach once a month.

But entering the inner sect is different. Every inner sect disciple at the Qi Refinement realm has a dedicated Foundation Establishment cultivator to teach and resolve their doubts. If an inner sect disciple performs exceptionally well and catches the eye of a Jin Dan Elder, they will be taken as a personal disciple by the Jin Dan Elder.

You and I both cultivate the 'Blue Water Profound Ice Art', so from now on, I will be the Foundation Establishment cultivator specifically guiding your cultivation. If you have any questions in the future, you can come and ask me," Mo Zhanglao said.

"Thank you, Elder, disciple will definitely follow Elder and cultivate well in the future." Watching Lan Xue hurriedly stood up and bowed and saluted again.

Mo Zhanglao smiled slightly and said, "By the way, if you are willing, you can also take a position as a managing disciple in the Spirit Field Hall."

"Disciple is willing to take a position as a managing disciple!" Watching Lan Xue was overjoyed and said without hesitation.

Her Big Xu Shixiong Xia was still in the outer sect Spirit Field Hall; if she served as a managing disciple in the Spirit Field Hall, it would naturally be more convenient to come and go.

Seeing this, a look of contemplation flashed in Mo Zhanglao's eyes, but she didn't ask what was in her heart, instead turning to examine Watching Lan Xue's cultivation, and after that, she gave some guidance before letting her leave.

——

Wanluo Great Peak is located in the middle of Wanluo Xianshan.

One peak stands alone.

In the shape of an inverted field snail.

The peak is a huge flat land.

In the center of the flat land, on the hard rock, there are grooves that look like they were carved by knives and axes.

Looking down from high altitude, one can find that these grooves form huge and ancient array symbols.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 197 =====