Chapter 225: Chapter 186: Seizing Control of Bailu Mountain

It’s almost 3:00 AM, not much time left, I must make preparations quickly.

The Foundation Establishment phenomenon slowly dissipated. Lu Qian savored the moment and then turned his gaze towards Bai Ling, who, with graceful composure, quickly bent to await instructions.

"Sect Leader Bai, my fortunate Foundation Establishment time is approaching. Weren’t you planning to report to the Qingling Sect? Quickly take this Golden Core Letter to the Qingling Sect. Once they see the letter, they’ll know my identity. We need to avoid any conflicts during my Foundation Establishment if they decide to verify my credentials."

He retrieved a blue letter from his robes, which emanated a mysterious aura, evoking a sense of awe at first sight.

This was the Golden Core Letter. The paper appeared ordinary, the envelope plain, and its contents were something Lu Qian had hastily penned while waiting for Moonlight Sect’s reply. It introduced "Qi Kun," his purpose for being here, and requested the corresponding authority from the governing sect for assistance.

The key was that the letter contained a trace of the aura of a Golden Core Master.

Upon reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection, the Spirit Bud bears fruit, overcoming the Celestial Tribulation, and seamlessly transforms into a Golden Core.

The Golden Core, indestructible Metal Attribute, pure and flawless, enjoying eight hundred years of life, commanding a region of thousands of cultivators and tens of millions of mortals, was an existence everyone revered and aspired to.

Due to the indestructible Metal Attribute and flawless purity, a Golden Core Master did not exhibit spiritual pressure as prominently as a Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar; their power was more restrained and not easily leaked. When necessary, they would imprint a trace of their Qi on certain objects, marking them with the aura of the Golden Core, which could last for years or even decades.

Just like this letter, though ordinary itself, imbued with a trace of Golden Core Qi, it became an undeniable proof of identity, impossible to counterfeit.

On that intoxicated spring evening, Lu Qian finally emerged from the comforts of the dwelling and remembered this, hastening to Xuanguang Sect’s Huanjian Peak in the dead of night to seek Hee Yangchen.

Fortunately, over the years, the Yunshan Sect had handled some discreet deliveries for Hee Yangchen, dealing in precious spiritual objects and materials, gaining his trust. Furthermore, the Yunshan Sect held a ten percent stake in Xuanguang Sect’s Shuangye Square, which had proved extremely valuable, yielding substantial profits, thereby enhancing Hee Yangchen’s support within the Xuanguang Sect as a liaison.

Thus, Hee Yangchen held the Yunshan Sect and Lu Qian in high regard. He was a proud man, yet generous, true to his word, a reliable ally. So when Lu Qian sought his help, despite sternly warning Lu Qian not to misuse it, he readily provided a blank Golden Core Paper to assist Lu Qian’s Foundation Establishment.

Bai Ling respectfully accepted the Golden Core Paper with both hands. With this, Lu Qian’s identity was beyond doubt, and her small sect could only cooperate actively.

But then she heard Lu Qian’s deep voice: "During my Foundation Establishment, I need to use the Bailu Mountain Spirit Vein to set up a grand array for protection. At that time, you can withdraw your Mountain Protection Array. My grand array will suffice."

Bai Ling was startled. Handing over the Mountain Protection Grand Array would mean completely exposing the Moonlight Sect, leaving it at the mercy of Lu Qian and his group. She stammered, "Fellow Daoist Qi, uh, could we consider this a bit more..."

Suddenly, Lu Qian halted, and Bai Ling could feel a pair of sharp eyes glaring fiercely from behind the obscuring cloud, concealing his face.

An indescribable pressure surged instantly. All fifty elite cultivators following Lu Qian halted, their faces severe, spiritual power gradually stirring within them, and colorful magical artifacts beginning to flicker in their arms.

The surrounding female cultivators turned pale, gasping as they retreated, while Bai Ling’s face turned ashen, with a few cold sweats trickling down her forehead.

If these fifty people unleashed violence, the Moonlight Sect couldn’t possibly withstand it. If they slaughtered the sect, they were disciples of a Golden Core Major Sect; the Qingling Sect might not dare hold them accountable. Moreover, regardless of what punishment occurred, the sect’s fate would already be sealed.

"Oh dear, Fellow Daoist Qi, no need for anger..." She managed a coquettish smile, bowing deeply again, her curvaceous figure highlighted attractively, "Since the Upper Sect has decreed, I must comply. Bailu Mountain is yours to command, Fellow Daoist Qi."

Only then did Lu Qian nod: "Sect Leader Bai need not worry. Our Xuanguang Sect’s Mingjing Mountain Range has five peaks of great wonder, and I would hardly want to stay at your Mountain Gate indefinitely. Cooperate well, and if I succeed in Foundation Establishment, you will be credited, with additional rewards afterward."

Bai Ling’s face improved a bit, and she stood, moving closer to Lu Qian. She instructed the disciples to quickly purify the area with incense and clean the premises, inviting the Upper Sect’s friends inside to rest.

However, Lu Qian was unwilling to wait further, instructing Zheng Duan, Chen Wei, and Xuu Yingcai to lead the disciples to rest, while he, with Tan Hong and Zhao Xianzong, went to inspect the Bailu Mountain Spirit Vein.

Bai Ling quickly gave a few commands, and soon several disciples with outstanding looks and graceful figures stepped forth, inviting everyone to the great hall for a short rest. She herself took slow steps, leading Lu Qian to the Spirit Vein location.

As they got closer to the Spirit Vein, Lu Qian’s senses grew stronger, and his spiritual power became more vibrant. Standing before the Spirit Vein, he felt the surrounding spiritual Qi surge uncontrollably into his body, forcing him to use all his strength to prevent the Spiritual Root from prematurely budding.

The Bailu Mountain Spirit Vein was First-Level High-Tier, externally manifesting as a seven-petaled, plain white Spirit Flower. Lu Qian observed for a moment, then looked around. The nearest structure was a two-story small building.

"Clear out that building for me to use for seclusion," Lu Qian pointed with an undeniable tone.

Bai Ling was momentarily taken aback, then quickly responded affirmatively.

Then Bai Ling was about to remove the array map from the Spirit Vein, but Lu Qian stopped her.

Switching to his Five Elements Grand Array now would be too noticeable, and if a Foundation Establishment Level grand array suddenly appeared atop the Moonlight Sect, passing cultivators might grow suspicious. Better to wait until the Foundation Establishment to switch.

The Bailu Mountain Spirit Vein barely had the power to support his Five Elements Grand Array, but it was still better than nothing.

Bai Ling stood by, her head lowered in submission, ready to obey Lu Qian’s commands. Lu Qian nodded, and they proceeded to the main hall.

At this time, within the grand hall, it was a scene of harmony and joy. Several Moonlight disciples flitted about like butterflies, gracefully weaving among the Shuangye Alliance cultivators, serving tea and fruit platters, their voices soft, their smiles charming, while the Shuangye Alliance cultivators appeared relaxed, their postures languid.

The Yunshan Sect disciples were alright, as their sect was strictly regulated, with serious emphasis on educational discipline, and they generally behaved righteously.

But the other Shuangye Alliance disciples were more frivolous, even daring, as they gazed upon the Moonlight Sect disciples pandering with subtle compliments, revealing delicate skin unintentionally. Under the pretext of serving tea, some reached out to caress the fair arms of the young women, causing them to cry out in surprise.

As Lu Qian approached the hall, his Divine Sense swept across the scene, and his heart sank immediately at what he perceived.