Cultivation: I Can Reincarnate Into Various Worlds-Chapter 668 - 340, Heading to the Seven Stars Sect

After going through this life-and-death adventure together, these Dao Lords from the Flying Feather Immortal Palace's Master and Disciple Lineage could finally stand firm within the Butian Sect.

「Soon after.」

In the northwest direction of the Butian Sect's base, a Tower Boat led the way, followed by three small Flying Boats, breaking through the clouds and heading towards the Seven Stars Sect.

When they arrived at the outer periphery of the Seven Stars Sect, the cloud boats slowed down and stopped in mid-air.

Immediately after, a golden light flew out from the Tower Boat and landed directly in the hands of the Seven Stars Sect Leader. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"It is an honor for Our Sect to have Master Xu visit. However, the distance between Our Two Factions is only two thousand miles. We could have arrived in an instant. Why trouble with these cloud boats...?"

The Sect Leader of the Seven Stars Sect, dressed in a deep blue Daoist robe and wearing an ancient, ornate headdress, said this after seeing the gilded invitation in his palm.

For a mere visit, the Butian Sect was making such a show of force, as if approaching an enemy.

If the other sects were to see this, they would surely assume some rift or conflict existed between the two factions.

This banquet bodes ill!

"Leader Luo, your words are inappropriate. Our Sect dispatched these cloud boats to your esteemed sect precisely because we value the diplomatic ties between Our Two Factions and cannot neglect propriety." Zhongtai Dao Monarch rode out on his sword, stopping before the Seven Stars Sect Leader, and stated calmly.

After Ren Yuanrui was placed under house arrest by Chi Yuan and the Gong Family Saint Lord, Zhongtai Dao Monarch had taken over as Acting Sect Leader of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace.

Although the Ten Great Upper Sects are located in various parts of East Huangzhou, it does not mean there are no diplomatic ties between the Higher Teachings.

During his tenure, Zhongtai Dao Monarch had interacted with the Seven Stars Sect of the North Wilderness on several occasions and was thus acquainted with its Sect Leader, Luo Xiao.

"Very well. Since Daoist Zhongtai has put it that way, I, Luo, shall consider your esteemed sect's arrival... in such grand fashion... to be for the sake of propriety!"

Leader Luo frowned slightly, then chuckled and said.

Without waiting for Zhongtai Dao Monarch to rebut, he continued, "It's just that Our Sect is unsure: by which etiquette should we welcome your esteemed sect Today? That of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace of old, or that of the Butian Sect of Today?"

"When Higher Teachings maintain diplomatic relations, a breach of etiquette is a grave offense!"

"As the Sect Leader of the Seven Stars Sect, I, Luo, cannot commit an act that would bring such disgrace upon my Sect."

He spoke each word slowly and deliberately.

As his words fell, Zhongtai Dao Monarch's face darkened slightly, his gaze towards Leader Luo carrying a hint of animosity.

Leader Luo's words were like tearing open the old wounds of those Flying Feather Immortal Palace Dao Lords who had defected to the Butian Sect.

To put it mildly, the etiquette observed by the Seven Stars Sect when receiving the Sect Master of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, a Higher Teaching, would naturally differ from that for the leader of an ordinary sect.

To put it bluntly, however, Leader Luo's words were tantamount to pointing at Zhongtai Dao Monarch and the others and calling them curs that had lost their homes.

"Leader Luo's words are not entirely unfounded. Our Sect and the Flying Feather Immortal Palace indeed share a deep history..."

"It is common knowledge that Xu Mou and Daoist Chi Yuan have established two distinct lineages. Henceforth, both are considered Orthodox."

Just as Zhongtai Dao Monarch and the others hesitated, Xu Xing strode out from the Tower Boat. He positioned himself before them and slowly uttered these words.

Having spoken, Xu Xing gave a slight, mocking smile and continued, "This parting of ways is like a great tree developing its crown, with a clear main trunk and secondary trunks. It's unlike those decaying trees that cling to a single trunk, barely staving off death."

"The Sect Leader speaks profoundly!"

Upon hearing this, smiles instantly bloomed on the faces of Zhongtai Dao Monarch, Kuimen Daoist Lord, and the others. Their expressions, as they looked at Leader Luo, were now tinged with disdain.

They easily discerned the implication in Xu Xing's words: he was ridiculing the Seven Stars Sect for its decline. With only one Nascent Soul Saint Monarch remaining, they couldn't even contemplate a division like the one undertaken by the Butian Sect and the Flying Feather Immortal Palace.

Compared to Leader Luo's earlier provocations, Xu Xing's retort was like rubbing salt directly into the Seven Stars Sect's wounds.

It was true that sects within the Cultivation World varied in strength. However, the Ten Great Upper Sects were generally considered to be in a league of their own, roughly equivalent in power.

Yet, after their division, both the Flying Feather Immortal Palace and the Butian Sect still had Saint Monarchs presiding, putting each on par with the Seven Stars Sect.

Anyone observing this situation would conclude that the Seven Stars Sect was now far inferior to the original Flying Feather Immortal Palace.

"Among the Higher Teachings, strengths may wax and wane over time. But as long as our Daoism endures, a day of resurgence is inevitable!"

Although Leader Luo had further rebuttals in mind, he dared not voice them excessively in the presence of a Nascent Soul Saint Monarch like Xu Xing. Thus, after a moment's thought, he offered this sentiment.

While this statement conceded the Seven Stars Sect's current inferiority to the likes of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, it wasn't an utter loss of face.

The very name "North Wilderness" suggested that this region within East Huangzhou was hardly a land of plenty.

Compared to the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, which held sway over southeastern East Huangzhou and half the Wangchuan Sea's expanse, the Seven Stars Sect, as hegemon of the North Wilderness, was indeed of a lesser stature.

"Our Sect has prepared a spiritual feast for Master Xu and all you Daoist friends. Please, this way..."

Leader Luo wasted no more words and respectfully guided Xu Xing and his contingent.

In the Cultivation World, strength commanded respect. Faced with Xu Xing, a Nascent Soul Saint Monarch, even Leader Luo, despite his skill at wordplay, lacked the confidence to press any further.

「Shaoqing.」

The cultivators arrived at the Seven Stars Sect's Guest Hall.

After Xu Xing and his entourage were seated, Immortal Maidens of the Seven Stars Sect entered in a graceful procession, presenting an array of delicacies from various regions of the North Wilderness.

The tables were laden with a lavish spread of nearly a hundred dishes, each a rare culinary treasure.

"Leader Luo..."

"Daoist Mao Ri invited Xu Mou here. How is it that we have been seated for some time, yet there is still no sign of Mao Ri Saint Lord?"

After several courses had been served, Xu Xing set down his jade chopsticks. He glanced at Leader Luo, who occupied the secondary high seat to the right, frowned, and then asked his question.

"Master Xu, I have already sent a talismanic message to inform Martial Uncle Mao Ri. He should be arriving shortly." Leader Luo wiped the cold sweat from his forehead as he rose and cupped his hands in reply.