Chapter 965

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Protagonist:

Xu Zhangqing

Xu Zhangqing stood frozen in place for a long while before he came back to his senses.

So it turned out that the destruction of the Xuanhuang Spirit Sect and the sealing of the Yin River were both for the sake of protecting the Tianyuan Realm.

But the doubt in his heart had not dissipated. Xu Zhangqing looked at Xuan Yan and asked in puzzlement, "Great Elder, you said the decrease in Water Spiritual Energy has nothing to do with the Tu Soil God, yet it became increasingly severe precisely after the Tu Soil God reincarnated. There must be a reason for this, right?"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Yan fell into deep thought. After a long moment, his eyes moved, as if he had thought of something, and his expression suddenly turned solemn: "Now that you put it that way, I recall a matter that had been forgotten."

Xu Zhangqing was surprised: "A forgotten matter?"

Xuan Yan nodded slightly: "Changqing, do you remember the Hundred Dragons Patrol?"

Xu Zhangqing said thoughtfully: "I have a vague impression, but not much."

Xuan Yan said in a deep voice: "Back then, members of the Cangming Realm sneaked into the Tianyuan Realm, and wasn't it you who accidentally discovered them?

Then, from their mouths, you learned a piece of news — the Hundred Dragons Patrol."

Xu Zhangqing suddenly realized: "Right, right, right... I remember now."

The Hundred Dragons Patrol occurs once every ten thousand years.

It sets out from the Virtual Dragon Nest and ultimately arrives at the Gui Xu Dragon Tomb.

Counting the time, it seems it's just about due.

Xuan Yan raised his eyes to the sky, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity: "Logically speaking, the Hundred Dragons Patrol should pass through the Cangming Realm and would absolutely not approach the Tianyuan Realm.

Judging by the current situation, I'm afraid a variable has occurred.

Not only are they approaching the Tianyuan Realm, but they have also drawn away the Water Spiritual Energy from here."

Xu Zhangqing's whole body shook, his face full of disbelief: "Back then, both you and the Sect Master said that the Tianyuan Realm had long since had no dragons, so it would not attract the Hundred Dragons Patrol!"

Xuan Yan shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty: "Perhaps, somewhere in the Tianyuan Realm, dragons still lie hidden, only we never detected them.

It's also possible that dragons from the Outside World followed some aura here."

As these words fell, Xu Zhangqing's heart gave a violent jump, and two figures emerged in his mind.

One was his own eldest daughter, Xu Linglong, who carried the Mirage Dragon Bloodline and was half-human, half-dragon.

The other was his Thunder Spirit Root avatar, Fenglong, who was raising a half-grown Thunder Dragon.

Could it be that the Hundred Dragons Patrol was coming for them?

The moment this thought arose, Xu Zhangqing's expression grew even more solemn.

Seeing this, Xuan Yan thought the other party was frightened, and comforted him: "Changqing, no need to worry.

Since I have returned, I absolutely will not let the Wu Sheng Chong Mu and the Xunlong Lineage continue to cause chaos, nor will I let the Tianyuan Realm be destroyed by the Hundred Dragons Patrol."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and took out six Transmission Jade Talismans.

With a flash of spiritual light, the jade talismans transformed into streaks of flowing light, flying toward all parts of the Tianyuan Realm.

Xu Zhangqing couldn't help but ask: "What is this for, Elder?"

Xuan Yan explained: "Although the Dongting Immortal Sect has split, the foundations of the Seven Great Immortal Peaks remain.

I have already sent messages to the various Peak Masters, summoning them to the Xingqiong Hall to discuss countermeasures."

Xu Zhangqing's heart settled slightly. If the Seven Great Immortal Peaks could gather again, dealing with the Wu Sheng Chong Mu and the Xunlong Lineage — not to mention crushing them — would at least pose no major problem.

Central Region, Tiexue Peak.

"Vice Peak Master, absolutely not!"

"The situation in the Central Region is currently turbulent, with constant strife among various forces. Our Tiexue Peak has only just managed to gain a foothold. If you leave, the sect will likely suffer a sneak attack, and the consequences would be unthinkable!"

"Silence!"

Ling Shuang's cold voice rang out, overriding the disciple's dissuasion: "With the Peak Master absent, I should be the one in charge.

Now the Great Elder has returned. This concerns the survival of the Tianyuan Realm and the future of the Dongting Immortal Sect. How can we, for the sake of personal interest, disregard the common people of the world?"

"Vice Peak Master..."

The disciple still wanted to persuade further, but was cut off by Ling Shuang's stern tone: "No more words!"

Central Region, Jin Gang Peak.

"Peak Master, you cannot agree!"

"We have struggled in the Central Region for many years to build our current foundation. Now the peaks are divided, and the Dongting Immortal Sect exists in name only. The Great Elder's move is merely inviting trouble upon himself!"

"Exactly. Why should we wade into this muddy water? Wouldn't it be better to just peacefully hold the Central Region?"

Tuoba Ye's voice carried obvious impatience: "My mind is made up, no need for further persuasion!

Although I am unwilling to meddle in the sect's internal strife, the Hundred Dragons Patrol concerns the survival of the Tianyuan Realm.

As a part of the Tianyuan Realm, how can I stand by and do nothing?"

"Peak Master, you..."

"No more talk. Just do as I say!"

Western Region, Chi Huo Peak.

"Vice Peak Master, you absolutely must not go to the Xingqiong Hall!"

"Why?"

"The Peak Master is already absent, and foreign tribes in the Western Region are stirring restlessly. If you leave, the border will surely fall into chaos. Once it falls, we will become sinners of the Tianyuan Realm!"

"Hmm... what you say makes sense!"

Northern Domain, Hou Tu Peak.

"Peak Master, you cannot go!"

"Our foundation is not yet stable, and surrounding powers stare covetously. If you leave, those powers will surely seize the opportunity to attack, and all our years of effort will be wasted!"

"That's right, Peak Master. The Great Elder has convened a discussion, and other Peak Masters will go. We of Hou Tu Peak need only guard our own territory. Why risk yourself?"

"How could I not understand the stakes?"

Yue Kun Lun sighed lightly: "But the Great Elder has given an order. This matter concerns the entire Tianyuan Realm. If I do not go, I truly cannot ease my conscience."

"You guard the sect and closely monitor movements in the surrounding areas."

"I will arrange everything, then go to Xingqiong Hall."

Shuixian Peak had remained still all along. Xuan Yan frowned slightly, his expression darkening: "Li Wudao wouldn't have gone to Tai Xu Lie Yuan again, would he?"

Xu Zhangqing deeply agreed: "It is possible."

After all, his youngest son has been there for decades.

Given Li Wudao's protective nature, he must have gone along.

As for Xuanming Peak, though it is clearly in Dongyu, there has been no reaction at all.

Both Xuan Yan and Xu Zhangqing knew that Gui Lao had an eccentric temperament and had never involved himself in immortal sect disputes. For this summons, he would surely pay no heed.

Of course, Xu Zhangqing even suspected that the other side would be glad to see the immortal sect in trouble.

Back then, Gui Lao dug up the old site of Dongting Immortal Sect and took away the Mysterious Yellow Ancient Coffin — that was still fresh in memory.

Moreover, Dongting Immortal Sect had been divided for decades. Even if the Great Elder returned, how many would truly be willing to come back?

The sun rose in the east and set in the west. In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.

Finally, Ling Shuang, leading two disciples of Tiexue Peak, arrived first.

Following closely behind was Tuoba Ye, with several burly men of Jin Gang Peak at his side.

Though this man was full of impatience, he still arrived on time for the appointment.

The last to arrive was Yue Kun Lun, weariness showing between his brows. He had clearly hurriedly arranged sect affairs before setting out.

Besides this, no other Peak Master appeared.

Chi Huo Peak, Shuixian Peak, and Xuanming Peak never responded.

Xuan Yan stood with hands behind his back before the hall, gazing at the few people before him. A trace of barely concealed helplessness flashed in his eyes: "In the past, how prosperous Dongting Immortal Sect was."

"The Seven Great Immortal Peaks gathered together, how glorious."

"Now only a few of you have come. Truly..."

Ling Shuang stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Great Elder, this is not the fault of the various Peak Masters."

"The Central Region, Xiyu, and Northern Domain are all in turmoil. Everyone is helpless!"