Chapter 209: Outrageous Two Major Sects

In the villa where the members of Qingyun Sect reside.

The atmosphere on site was heavy and almost oppressive, as if even the air had turned viscous.

Phantom Moon Sect Leader Nangong Batian sat on a carved sandalwood chair.

His gaze first softened as it fell on his daughter's face, his eyes full of affection and concern.

Then his gaze sharpened like a probing blade, slowly sweeping toward Jiang Shanhai, the Gods' Dominion Sect Leader, who sat upright beside him.

Finally, it came to rest on the members of Qingyun Sect.

At that moment, his mind was flooded with countless complex thoughts—curious about the Peak Master Lin who had saved his daughter, and puzzled as to why the Gods' Dominion Sect had come here.

A feeling of hesitation surged like a tide, difficult to quell.

Gods' Dominion Sect Leader Jiang Shanhai likewise wore a solemn expression.

His fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of his chair, emitting a low, rhythmic sound.

Each tap seemed to strike the tense nerves of everyone present.

The two had already been waiting in silence for a long time in the spacious yet dead-quiet hall.

The entire space was so quiet that only occasional faint breaths could be heard, the oppressive atmosphere almost suffocating.

Finally.

Phantom Moon Sect Leader Nangong Batian broke this unbearable silence.

He straightened his back slightly, his whole person exuding the aura of a superior.

Immediately, his gaze turned directly to Qingyun Sect Grand Elder Mao Ping, and he squeezed out a seemingly gentle, friendly smile before speaking.

"Grand Elder, I have a matter I've long been doubtful about and would like to ask you for advice."

Upon hearing this, Grand Elder Mao Ping's heart clenched tightly.

It felt as if an invisible giant hand had ruthlessly gripped him.

His eyes instantly turned sharp and wary, while he secretly assessed the situation.

Although Nangong Batian's visit was ostensibly to deliver one million spirit stones to Lin Yang,

but in this fantasy continent where the strong reign and the weak are prey,

who could truly fathom the hidden schemes lurking deep within his heart?

Moreover, Nangong Batian is immensely powerful, and the Phantom Moon Sect's reputation in Qingzhou's cultivation world is illustrious, its strength formidable.

No matter what, I must respond with utmost caution, for a single misstep could bring unforeseen trouble upon Qingyun Sect.

He secretly drew a deep breath in his heart.

He strove to calm his nervous emotions, forcing a faint, seemingly composed smile onto his face.

He replied in a tone tinged with caution: "Sect Leader Nangong, please speak freely."

"Whatever you wish to ask, I will tell you everything I know."

Nangong Batian gave a light cough, cleared his throat, and spoke unhurriedly: "The Qingzhou Grand Competition is fast approaching."

"Beforehand, I specially sent a capable disciple of my sect to deliver an invitation to your esteemed sect, yet Qingyun Sect politely declined."

"I truly cannot understand—could there be some special difficulty?"

Upon hearing this, Grand Elder Mao Ping's heart contracted sharply, and a thought instantly flashed through his mind.

Could it be that Nangong Batian truly came for these two extraordinarily gifted disciples, Li Yilan and Ye Xiaozhi?

These two children have displayed astonishing talent and rapid progress on the path of cultivation, already causing quite a stir in Qingzhou's cultivation circles.

It is only natural that other powers would covet them.

But for now, all of this is merely speculation, with no solid evidence to confirm it.

He took another deep breath, striving to keep his expression calm, and spoke in a steady, composed tone: "Actually, there is no particular difficulty."

The Grand Elder added: "Several other major powers have likewise sent invitations during this period, all of which I have politely turned down."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Batian slightly narrowed his eyes, and in his hawk-like sharp gaze flashed a faint hint of doubt and inquiry.

He continued: "I see, but I truly do not understand why Grand Elder would refuse such a rare opportunity."

"However, since Qingyun Sect's Peak Master Lin once saved my daughter's life, this kindness is something I, Nangong Batian, will never forget."

"To express my gratitude, I am willing to offer the three disciples of Qingyun Sect who will participate in the Qingzhou Grand Competition an excellent opportunity."

"Anyone who manages to secure a top-eight placement in the competition may directly join my Phantom Moon Sect as a core disciple and enjoy preferential treatment."

"Furthermore, they may directly obtain the Phantom Moon Token, symbolizing the highest status within the Phantom Moon Sect."

Upon saying this,

it was like throwing a massive stone into a tranquil lake, instantly stirring up thousands of waves.

The elders of Qingyun Sect were as if placed under a paralysis spell.

They stood frozen.

Their mouths hung open, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

They knew all too well that enjoying the treatment of a core disciple of the Phantom Moon Sect is something countless cultivators dream of achieving in their lifetimes.

This meant becoming one of the Phantom Moon Sect's most core members, receiving the sect's top-tier cultivation resources and the most meticulous nurturing.

Moreover, possessing the Phantom Moon Token is the symbol of the Phantom Moon Sect's supreme status.

With this token, one can freely enter and leave the Treasure Pavilion, which stores countless rare treasures, and select any magical artifact that could greatly enhance a cultivator's strength.

One can also freely study in the Scripture Pavilion, which houses countless top-tier secret manuals, obtaining precious cultivation resources beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Once one possesses these, the path of cultivation becomes virtually a shortcut to the pinnacle—truly a leap to heaven in a single step.

How could the members of Qingyun Sect not be stunned into speechlessness by this sudden, enormous temptation?

Beside him, Gods' Dominion Sect Leader Jiang Shanhai, upon hearing Nangong Batian's extremely tempting words, likewise narrowed his eyes.

He knew full well that Nangong Batian was obviously doing this on purpose to curry favor, hoping to win the goodwill of the Qingyun Sect members through this opportunity.

This is enough to show that the forces in this place are not simple.

Fortunately, the God-Governing Sect he belongs to has already submitted to the Azure Cloud Sect.

As a sect leader, he naturally refuses to be outdone by Nangong Batian.

He gave a light cough, adjusted his sitting posture, and slowly spoke: "Grand Elder, since the Phantom Moon Sect Leader has already spoken to this extent, I will no longer hide anything."

"The three disciples participating in the Azure Cloud Sect's Grand Tournament, my God-Governing Sect is willing to directly grant them core disciple status and likewise give them the God-Governing Sect token."

"Moreover, the rights and privileges they possess far exceed those offered by the Phantom Moon Sect."

"Furthermore, the masters of these three disciples can also receive the same treatment and enjoy all the privileges."

"What's more, in the future years of cultivation, I will personally give these three disciples careful guidance and full nurturing."

Jiang ShanHai said while narrowing his eyes, thinking to himself.

Soon the Old Ancestor will arrive at the Azure Cloud Sect; it would be better to bestow this heavy favor upon the Azure Cloud Sect now.

Perhaps this generous act of mine might earn the Old Ancestor's praise and recognition.

Thus adding further security to the God-Governing Sect's standing in the Azure Cloud Sect.