The banquet lasted for most of the day, and although Lu Qian was absent, the atmosphere actually became more relaxed and lively.

The Yunshan disciples reunited after a long time, and with a belly full of questions, Tan Hong and Zheng Duan found themselves bombarded with inquiries, drinking much more spirit wine than usual, becoming dizzy and almost floating.

It was not until the sun set in the west, and twilight covered the sky, that this celebration without its protagonist slowly came to an end.

While the disciples returned to their quarters to disperse the effects of the wine, Lu Qian and Bai Ling’s private conversation was nearing completion. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

The two sides reached a long-term assistance agreement: Lu Qian would provide the Yuehua Sect with urgently needed spirit stones and resources. If the Yuehua Sect performed outstandingly, he would even offer several cultivation techniques suitable for reaching Foundation Establishment, helping Yuehua Sect overcome its legacy limitations and further expand its size.

The Yuehua Sect, in turn, agreed to allow Lu Qian to use Bailu Mountain and its spirit vein anytime, and to assist him in gathering various intelligence from Quyang County, thus transforming the Yuehua Sect into something resembling a forward base.

Although Bai Ling did not know why Lu Qian needed intelligence on Quyang County, she wisely did not ask. Such high-level sect negotiations were beyond her participation.

After all, the Yuehua Sect was merely a Qi Cultivation Minor Sect; what intelligence could it gather? It would simply collect common market information and report it to Lu Qian, which certainly wouldn’t be considered a breach of secrecy. This way, everything was fine.

Yet, Lu Qian couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

Betraying one’s master is just a difference of degree. Initially, it’s just some trivial intelligence, but as time goes on, the Yuehua Sect would find itself increasingly entangled, likely unable to extricate itself.

The two exchanged a knowing smile, both exceedingly satisfied.

After dismissing Bai Ling, Lu Qian spent another night at Bailu Mountain, consuming Danxia Sect’s Three Treasures Jade Dew Pill and Star Dew Nourishing Spirit Pill to replenish his spiritual power and divine sense. However, at this moment, his spiritual power had increased fivefold, and his divine sense was enhanced again, clearly feeling that these Qi Cultivation level spirit pills were no longer sufficient.

Realizing this, with his Foundation Establishment complete and the addition of Yang Jiye, Yunshan Sect instantly possessed three Foundation Establishment battle forces, but simultaneously felt a pinch when it came to resources.

For instance, upon reaching Foundation Establishment, one must wield spiritual artifacts, consume Foundation Establishment level spirit pills, and use Foundation Establishment Wood Talismans.

Previously, Gu Niqiang didn’t need these, so Yunshan Sect didn’t deliberately stock them, resulting in a significant shortage of the materials that Foundation Establishment Feather Scholars require, which were left over from Chaosheng Sect.

Although the disciples have achieved considerable progress in talisman making, alchemy, planting, and breeding over the past two years, they are still at the Qi Cultivation level and cannot produce these Foundation Establishment materials.

Thus, for the foreseeable future, it seems we’ll have to procure them from the market.

A bottle of Foundation Establishment level elixirs costs ten times more than that of Qi Cultivation level, but fortunately, Shuangye Square has achieved initial success, which results in steady financial gain. Combined with Yunshan Sect’s newly established commercial intelligence network, it can occasionally earn quick cash; otherwise, Lu Qian might even have to economize on consuming spirit pills.

Moreover, being accustomed to Danxia Sect’s exclusive spirit pills, the ones available in the market seem unappealing.

Alas, it seems upon return, I must cleverly coax Gu Niqiang into sharing some of her personal spirit pills.

At worst, I’ll just have to endure a few more beatings—wait, I’ve already succeeded in Foundation Establishment, my strength has soared, perhaps, maybe, possibly, I could even spank Gu Niqiang’s backside?

If luck permits...

Thus, the night went by amidst meditation and planning for the future.

The following morning, when Lu Qian once again dismissed Bai Ling and entered the main hall, everyone rose to greet him.

Amidst the sounds of salutation, Wang Yu and the other once-disbanded disciples, led by Zheng Duan and others, naturally declared in unison, "Disciple greets the Sect Leader."

Several disciples were particularly excited. They had truly had enough of the wandering life, exposed to the elements; a banquet like yesterday’s hadn’t been enjoyed for a long time.

Learning from Zheng Duan and others about the wonders of Bichao Mountain further fueled their enthusiasm, and they felt particularly affectionate towards Lu Qian.

Though Yang Jiye seemed somewhat unfamiliar, he also composedly extended his salute: "Greetings, Sect Leader."

After an in-depth conversation with Tan Hong overnight, he managed to let go of his inner grievances.

He knew himself to be hot-tempered and not adept at leading a team, and the past few years had been burdensome, sustained only with great effort. Now having handed this situation over to Lu Qian, he felt much more relaxed.

Junior Brother Lu’s ability is tenfold of mine; he is destined to save Yunshan Sect. I will assist him with peace of mind henceforth. With this thought, even his perpetually furrowed brow loosened a bit.

Lu Qian nodded with a smile, exchanged a few polite words, then surveyed the room, announcing loudly, "Everyone, the task here is completed perfectly, thank you for your diligent support."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt delight in their hearts.

Yang Jiye and Tan Hong exchanged a glance, and Yang Jiye stepped forward, bowing his hands, "Sect Leader, now that we’ve returned to the sect, there are sixty-two cultivators here, with both the Sect Leader and I being Foundation Establishment, along with twenty-eight Late-Stage Qi Cultivation, and thirty-two Mid-Stage Qi Cultivation; such a force is undoubtedly among the elite."

With these words, Lu Qian immediately understood his intentions, as Yang Jiye continued, "We should seize this opportunity, muster our courage, and catch the Wang Family and Ziluo Mountain off guard. Even if we can’t reclaim Yun Mountain, at least let’s make them repay some interest!"

Lu Qian raised his eyes and saw that most of the Yunshan disciples were brimming with fervor, eyes full of anticipation, while the cultivators from Shuangye Alliance were not opposed, quietly awaiting orders.

This matter had been contemplated since last night; after considering it briefly, Lu Qian felt uncertain about the battle’s assured success, hesitating slightly. However, upon seeing everyone’s expressions, he realized the recent Foundation Establishment’s success and added strength had boosted everyone’s morale and enthusiasm; engaging in a fight would further consolidate disciples’ allegiances and hone their team’s cohesion and combat ability.

Moreover, human endeavor can always leverage greater outcomes.

He immediately responded with laughter, "Senior Brother Yang’s words coincide with my thoughts. In that case, let’s go all out!"

While speaking, a map of Quyang County, obtained from Bai Ling, slowly unfolded in mid-air.

Lu Qian waved his hand, conjuring several streams of spiritual power as markers, illuminating points of light on the map.

"Everyone, observe: the Wang Family and Ziluo Mountain are very close. If we directly attack one, the other will come to their aid immediately."

"The Wang Family has two Foundation Establishment cultivators, with nearly two hundred family members. Ziluo Mountain has one Foundation Establishment cultivator and about one hundred fifty to sixty disciples. Combined with the advantage of the Mountain Protection Grand Array and occupying spirit vein territories, direct assault is out of the question."

Everyone pondered over the map, Wang Yu quietly observing Lu Qian.

He, once a strategist for Yang Jiye, was acutely aware of the strength of the Wang Family and Ziluo Mountain. Curious about how the Sect Leader planned to carve a piece of flesh from these two formidable groups in this situation?