Chapter 330: Choosing Sides! The Alliance

The profound mysteries of the cultivation technique presented themselves naturally in Lin Xuan's mind. He seemed to see the vast river of Qi Luck, and saw the countless threads of karma between heaven and earth.

"So that's how it is..." Lin Xuan muttered to himself, "This is the true Luck Dao!"

Qing Bai Er She nodded with satisfaction: "You are indeed still you, grasping the key so quickly."

"The next step is practice," Bai She said, "Once you fully master this technique, you will be able to unleash its true power!"

Lin Xuan took a deep breath, feeling the energy circulating within his body: "Then let's begin!"

Beside the campfire, Xiao Qing and Wang Zhenqiu watched all of this quietly. They knew that a brand-new legend was about to unfold!

And on the distant shores of the East Sea, a mysterious light was flickering on the surface of the water. Perhaps the clue to the next Child of Luck was hidden there!

"The Sword Imperial Sect has issued a notice, formally opposing the actions of the Mysterious Organization..."

"Xuanji Pavilion has expressed support for new explorations and is willing to provide resources to assist..."

"The Kunlun Sect's attitude is vague; they seem to be watching from the sidelines..."

Wang Zhenqiu put down the intelligence in his hand, his brows locked in a frown: "The major powers have already begun to pick sides."

Lin Xuan and Xiao Qing listened intently. They were in a secluded teahouse, using Wang Zhenqiu's intelligence network to understand the latest developments.

"Most traditional sects are opposed," Xiao Qing analyzed, "They believe one should not interfere with the operation of the Heavenly Dao."

Lin Xuan nodded: "After all, they inherit ancient methods and are most aware of the consequences of forced interference."

"But the emerging powers don't think so," Wang Zhenqiu sneered, "They feel this is an opportunity! The End of Dharma Era has made them lose too much, and now they are itching to overthrow this restriction immediately."

Just then, a familiar figure hurried into the teahouse. It was Wang Zhenqiu's capable subordinate, responsible for gathering news from the Jianghu.

"Boss! Something happened!" the man said, panting, "Someone from Shushan has defected, taking a batch of secret manuals to join the Mysterious Organization!"

"What!" Wang Zhenqiu slapped the table, "Even Shushan..."

Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed: "It seems the temptation of the Mysterious Organization is quite great."

Indeed, as the End of Dharma Era deepened, the strength of cultivators continued to decline. For many, the experiments of the Mysterious Organization were a life-saving straw.

"It's not just Shushan," Xiao Qing suddenly said, "I've discovered that many reclusive old monsters have also begun to stir."

She took out a record: "This month, three great experts who haven't appeared in a hundred years have surfaced. They seem very interested in the Mysterious Organization's experiments."

Lin Xuan was thoughtful: "With the older generation of cultivators coming out of the mountains, I'm afraid the situation is more complex than we imagined."

Just then, Qing Bai Er She suddenly emerged from his body, emitting a warning hiss.

"What's wrong?" Lin Xuan was immediately alert.

"There are experts nearby," Qing She transmitted, "And more than one!"

Bai She added: "They seem to be searching for something..."

Lin Xuan signaled for everyone to be quiet and circulated the "Heaven and Earth Luck Art" to sense the surroundings. Sure enough, several faint auras were approaching.

"Six people, their cultivation is not weak," Lin Xuan whispered, "They should be coming for us."

Wang Zhenqiu clenched his fists: "Should we..."

"No, let's see what they want to do first," Lin Xuan revealed a faint smile, "Perhaps we can pry out some useful information."

Sure enough, not long after, a group of people walked into the teahouse. They appeared casual, but their eyes were constantly scanning the surroundings.

"Guests, what would you like?" the tea master greeted them enthusiastically.

The leader was a middle-aged man with a smile on his face: "A bowl of clear tea will do. By the way, any fresh news lately?"

The tea master poured tea while saying: "Plenty of fresh news! I heard that a couple of days ago, there was a big commotion in a certain valley..."

"Oh?" the middle-aged man became interested, "Tell me about it."

The tea master lowered his voice: "I heard it was some laboratory explosion, and quite a few people died. There are even rumors that it contained secrets leading to ancient times!"

"Is that really true?" the middle-aged man shook his head with a smile, "Jianghu rumors, shouldn't be fully believed."

But Lin Xuan had already seen that these people were here specifically for the laboratory incident. They wanted to scout for information; it seemed they were spies sent by some power.

"Let's go," Lin Xuan picked up his teacup, "We know what we need to know."

The three rose to leave, and that group indeed cast vigilant gazes their way. But seeing that the three of them were dressed as ordinary Jianghu travelers, they relaxed their vigilance.

Once out of the teahouse, Xiao Qing suddenly said: "They are people from Xuanji Pavilion."

"That's right," Lin Xuan nodded, "It seems Xuanji Pavilion has already set its sights on the secrets of the laboratory."

Wang Zhenqiu sneered: "This bunch, on the surface they say they want to support research, but in reality, they want to profit from the situation!"

Just then, his communication talisman suddenly lit up. Wang Zhenqiu picked it up and looked at it, his expression changing instantly.

"What's wrong?" Lin Xuan asked.

"Western Regions," Wang Zhenqiu said with a grave expression, "There is abnormal activity at the experimental base in the Mo Xie Desert!"

Xiao Qing hurriedly took out a map: "It's right here! It is said that this place was once a node for an Ancient Array."

Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed: "It seems the Mysterious Organization has already begun to act. They want to beat us to it and activate all the nodes!"

"Then we..." Xiao Qing looked at Lin Xuan.

"Depart immediately!" Lin Xuan said decisively, "We must not let them succeed!"

Wang Zhenqiu immediately arranged: "I'll go prepare the carriage right now; we can set off before dark."

Xiao Qing then said: "I'll go gather more intelligence on the Western Regions; the distribution of power there is very complex."

Lin Xuan nodded and looked toward the distant horizon. Dark clouds gathered, and thunder rumbled, as if signaling that a massive storm was about to arrive.

"War," he muttered to himself, "I'm afraid it's inevitable."

Qing Bai Er She coiled around him, emitting low hisses. They too felt the atmosphere of an impending storm.

In the distant Western Regions, at the center of the Mo Xie Desert, a mysterious Jin Zi Ta loomed in and out of sight.

"The Sword Imperial Sect, Shushan Sword Sect, Kunlun Sect... the three ancient sects have formed an alliance."

Xiao Qing put down the intelligence in her hand and looked at Lin Xuan and Wang Zhenqiu: "They claim they want to maintain the order of the Heavenly Dao and oppose all actions that interfere with the rules of heaven and earth."

Lin Xuan frowned slightly: "Sounds righteous, but..."

"However, these old fossils have their own little schemes," Wang Zhenqiu sneered. "The End of Dharma Era is approaching, and their inheritances are constantly weakening. Banding together for warmth now is nothing more than an attempt to preserve their own status."

Just then, Qing Bai Er She suddenly emerged from Lin Xuan's body, letting out a warning hiss.

"What is it?" Lin Xuan was immediately on alert.

Qing She transmitted via voice, "There are a few familiar auras..."

Bai She added, "It is the people from Xuanji Pavilion; they seem to be monitoring this place."

Lin Xuan understood in his heart. As the representative supporting reform, Xuanji Pavilion was naturally very interested in him, the Child of Luck.

"It is not just Xuanji Pavilion," Xiao Qing suddenly spoke up. "Have you noticed? Recently, all sorts of factions have been probing for information about us."