Wielding the Wind and Clouds, Following Changqing's Example

The next day, Lan Chang'an revealed his presence and entered the Cultivation World of the Feng Kingdom. The Law Power power of the Nascent Soul Cultivator triggered the sensing array.

Within the Dao Defense Alliance, Lan Chang'an need not worry about the Beast King Valley's schemes and ambushes. This level of difficulty is comparable to entering the Beast King Valley's territory and killing a Nascent Soul Realm expert.

Moreover, as a fourth-level Divination Grandmaster, his deliberate concealment makes it difficult for outsiders to track his specific movements.

"True Lord Lu."

With the howling of the wind, Yin Yuanhai arrived to meet him in Windmill Artifact.

Compared to his previous enthusiasm, Yin Yuanhai's expression was solemn, revealing no emotion.

After exchanging greetings, Lan Chang'an boarded the windmill and spoke in a low voice.

"I deeply regret what happened to my junior brother. I came to the Feng Kingdom on behalf of Golden Cloud Valley to pay my respects at the Boundless Hall."

"Situ Brother Situ's funeral has been arranged simply at the Boundless Hall. True Lord Lu need not attend in person; each sect and force can send representatives to offer their condolences."

Unexpectedly, Yin Yuanhai did not intend to take Lan Chang'an to the Boundless Hall.

Lan Chang'an pondered to himself: This situation either meant that Boundless Hall had a prejudice against him and was not welcoming him, or that they were handling it discreetly to avoid amplifying their influence and being used against them by those with ulterior motives.

"True Lord Lu's arrival is perfectly timed. Master just recently invited the high-ranking members of the Dao Defense Alliance to the headquarters to discuss important matters."

Yin Yuanhai explained his purpose.

Lan Chang'an nodded slightly; it seemed to be the second scenario.

Holding a high-profile funeral for Situ Lan and stirring up hatred and antagonism is actually meaningless.

This will elevate the Dao Defense Alliance to a high level, raising expectations. If no effective measures are taken, it will only make them appear weak and incompetent.

Secondly, it would put Lan Chang'an, the person involved, in an awkward position.

After all, Situ Lan was nominally implicated by him and assassinated by Beast King Valley in retaliation.

Chu Tianfeng's invitation to the high-ranking members of the Dao Defense Alliance was likely to discuss concrete countermeasures and take practical action. He didn't intend to make a big fuss about his disciples or engage in verbal sparring with Beast King Valley.

During the journey, Yin Yuanhai solemnly said again:

"My master instructed me to convey this message: Situ Brother Situ's death has nothing to do with True Lord Lu; it was all a scheme by Beast King Valley. Once we reach the main headquarters, True Lord Lu need not bring this up again."

"Alliance Leader Chu is so magnanimous; I, Lu, feel ashamed."

Lan Chang'an bowed and apologized, feeling relieved.

When he arrived, he was still considering how to phrase his words and ease tensions with the Boundless Hall and Alliance Leader Chu.

Unexpectedly, the Alliance Leader Chu handled the funeral arrangements discreetly, taking the initiative to resolve any misunderstandings.

Such a calm approach is easier said than done.

It's hard for parents to remain calm if it really happens to their own children.

In the Cultivation World, the bond between master and disciple spanning hundreds of years is, in some ways, even deeper than the affection one has for their own children.

Upon arriving at the Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters, a nascent Nascent Soul- Escape Light, resembling a golden moon and a rainbow, greeted the Feng Kingdom.

"Golden Moon Palace has also arrived."

Yin Yuanhai and Lan Chang'an stood in front of the headquarters and waited.

Wearing Phoenix Crown, the True Lord Golden Moon descended in Escape Light before Lan Chang'an and his companion, and the two exchanged simple greetings.

"Fellow Daoist Yin, please accept our condolences! Situ Lan was exceptionally talented, possessing Innate Dao Body. His death at the hands of Beast King Valley's revenge is truly a great loss to the Dao Defense Alliance."

True Lord Golden Moon couldn't help but feel regret and sighed.

She then looked at Lan Chang'an, her phoenix eyes cold, and said directly:

"True Lord Lu, if you had listened to my advice that day, the relationship between the two factions wouldn't have become so tense. The Devil Dao Sect are vengeful and will never let things go so easily."

Several years ago, when Lan Chang'an visited Proud Moon Palace, she offered a compromise suggestion:

[Black Sky Wings] cannot exert its power in Lan Chang'an's hands. It would be better to let the Dao Defense Alliance buy it and return it to Beast King Valley during negotiations, so as to ease the relationship between the two factions.

The current situation seems to confirm the "foresight" that True Lord Golden Moon had suggested back then.

"There's no point in saying anything now that things have come to this. My master has already made his decision: Situ Brother Situ's matter has nothing to do with True Lord Lu."

Yin Yuanhai remained expressionless and changed the subject.

"Alas, I, Lu, am too focused on personal gain, unlike Fellow Daoist Jin Yue who has a broader perspective."

"If Beast King Valley makes even more unreasonable demands in the future, I believe Fellow Daoist Jin Yue and Proud Moon Palace will step forward and make sacrifices and contributions for the Dao Defense Alliance."

Lan Chang'an made a few sarcastic remarks and did not continue arguing with True Lord Golden Moon.

He planned to steal Fairy Xia from the Proud Moon Palace and take her as a concubine, so there was no need to argue with True Lord Golden Moon and see who was right.

Enter the main hall of the mountain stronghold.

Besides Chu Tianfeng sitting at the head of the table, there were also two elderly Nascent Soul had lost their sect.

"My condolences to the Alliance Leader Chu."

After exchanging greetings, both parties took their seats in the main hall.

Chu Tianfeng's expression was calm, showing no signs of grief, only a hint of weariness and weariness on his face.

Since Chu Tianfeng had already made his decision, Lan Chang'an did not mention his "responsibility" and skipped the usual apologies and regrets.

After waiting for half a day, the True Lord Liuyang of the Golden Sun Sect Li Hai of the Profound Yin Sect arrived one after the other.

The Jing Kingdom only has one Nascent Soul True Lord, who is stationed at the front lines. Li Hai came to mourn on behalf of the Profound Yin Sect, but received an invitation en route and came on behalf of his master.

"Junior Li Hai greets True Lord Lu."

Li Hai was respectful and made a special trip to pay his respects to Lan Chang'an, referring to himself as a junior.

Lan Chang'an sized up Li Hai in front of him.

Now he appears to be middle-aged or elderly, wearing a black robe, with a robust and upright figure, and a cultivation level at the Peak Core Formation.

From his facial features, Lu Chang'an vaguely recalled the sharp and eloquent Xuan Yin Sect disciple in the Qingming Secret Realm of Liang Kingdom hundreds of years ago.

Li Hai was a genius with Earth Spiritual Root, and his aptitude was actually even superior to his master's. Unfortunately, the Profound Yin Sect, with its many years of Nascent Soul Formation resources, could not produce a second Nascent Soul cultivator in the same era, causing him to miss the appropriate age for Nascent Soul Formation.

After all the high-level representatives arrived, Chu Tianfeng got down to business and discussed strategies for dealing with Beast King Valley.

It's not just about Situ Lan's murder.

The Six Demonic Sects have made significant moves in recent years, with the Underworld Spring Sect stepping in to support the other sects.

At this very moment, Beast King Valley launched a strong counterattack.

"Situ Lan was murdered; the perpetrator was the newly promoted ' True Lord Stealth Shadow Wujian Gate in recent decades."

"Jueying is exceptionally talented, especially skilled in stealth and assassination. He has mastered a shadow Divine Ability technique, allowing him to control shadows to carry out assassinations from a distance, posing a threat up to the Nascent Soul stage. A lone Core Formation Cultivator would find it difficult to resist such an attack."

"During this assassination attempt, the Boundless Hall uncovered a traitor among its True Disciple. They also raided a Wujian Gate stronghold within the Feng Kingdom, but the key figures had already moved; they only managed to capture a False Core Formation cultivator and a few Foundation Establishment members."

Chu Tianfeng first explained the inside story of the incident.

If it weren't for the leak of information, and the involvement of a Wujian Gate Nascent Soul True Lord from the Wujian Sect behind the scenes, Situ Lan, as the personal disciple of Alliance Leader Chu, would not be able to be dealt with by a few Golden Core Realm Formation experts in a short time.

"True Lord Stealth Shadow?"

Lan Chang'an murmured the name and thought of Xing Peng's older cousin, the former Stealth Shadow Helmsman.

In the battle against the True Lord Chahai of Light, the Wujian Gate suffered heavy losses, with only the Stealth Shadow Helmsman escaping with his life.

Remembering Xing Peng's dying request, Lan Chang'an gave the unconscious Stealth Shadow Helmsman a way out.

At that time, Lan Chang'an was only in the Late Core Formation. He could see that the Stealth Shadow Helmsman had extraordinary luck and was favored by the top echelons of the Wujian Gate, so he was also somewhat wary.

He then used the pseudonym "Daoist Tianji" to give the Stealth Shadow Helmsman healing pills, leaving behind only a silhouette.

A century later, the former Stealth Shadow Helmsman has indeed achieved extraordinary success, and is now a big shot in the Wujian Gate.

Inside the main hall, the pro-war and pro-peace factions disagreed on countermeasures against Beast King Valley.

True Lord Liuyang pondered and said, "Alliance Leader Chu has achieved some success in rooting out the traitor and striking at the Wujian Gate. In the next few years, the three kingdoms of the Dao Defense Alliance will intensify their efforts to thoroughly investigate and eliminate the traitors within the Wujian Gate and eradicate their hidden agents. Once we have accumulated enough results, we can also give an account to the outside world."

"Investigating the strongholds of traitors within the Wujian Gate has always been routine; how can we treat it so perfunctorily? The Demonic Path has broken the unspoken rules and mobilized Nascent Soul cultivators; we must give them an equal response, at least making them pay an equal price."

True Lord Wei, who once came from Blood Sword Valley and whose sect was destroyed, frowned slightly, his aged face, resembling orange peel, revealing displeasure.

True Lord Golden Moon sneered, "Beast King Valley's counterattack this time is mainly to find a legitimate excuse. With a Nascent Soul elder having his Dharma Body severed, it's inevitable that the Devil Dao Sect will take action. I agree with Fellow Daoist Liu Yang's strategy; it's best not to escalate the situation and avoid a Cultivation War. Just give an explanation to the outside world."

"Li believes that Beast King Valley's countermeasures are related to the overall strategy of the Six Demonic Sects. Even without the True Lord Black Feather's involvement, other excuses could be found. This move may be a test of our bottom line, an attempt to split the Dao Defense Alliance."

As Core Formation Cultivator, Li Hai needed to use more tactful language.

Chu Tianfeng's High Antiquity remained calm and composed, occasionally revealing a thoughtful expression, but he did not give a clear answer.

"Does True Lord Lu have any suggestions?"

The Alliance Leader Chu suddenly fixed his deep, calm gaze on Lan Chang'an.

Lan Chang'an's main pet is equivalent to two Nascent Soul cultivators, giving him considerable influence within the Dao Defense Alliance.

"Lu suggested that the Dao Defense Alliance use this incident as a pretext to deploy troops on the border, mobilize high-level cultivators, and have Nascent Soul True Lord oversee the operation. The Dao Defense Alliance would then enter a state of semi-preparedness, putting sufficient pressure on Beast King Valley."

Lan Chang'an spoke calmly and casually, yet his words were startling.

True Lord Golden Moon's pretty face turned cold, and she said in a deep voice, "True Lord Lu, don't joke! Are you suggesting that for the sake of so-called pride, you should restart the Cultivation War and put the millions of cultivators of the Dao Defense Alliance in dire straits?"

"A single misstep, leaving no room for maneuver, could lead to an abyss, making you a sinner for all nations of the Dao Defense Alliance!"

"Ahem! Fellow Daoist Jin Yue, you flatter me. My suggestion is not simply revenge for Situ Lan's death."

Lan Chang'an couldn't help but feel ashamed, not expecting True Lord Golden Moon to be so sharp-tongued.

However, these Nascent Soul True Lord present do indeed control numerous forces, countless cultivators, and the fate of all living beings in this land.

The other True Lord, though somewhat surprised, revealed thoughtful expressions.

True Lord Golden Moon also came to his senses, and his expression softened slightly.

"True Lord Lu's thoughts coincide with my True Lord."

Chu Tianfeng shows approval, finally expressing its opinion:

"If the Dao Defense Alliance is content with the status quo and fails to put pressure on the enemy, Beast King Valley might send one or two Nascent Soul, including Fourth-Order Beast King War Machine, to support Blood Spirit Sect and Illusion Demon Palace. If that happens, the Seven Nations Alliance will be caught in a pincer movement, and the situation will inevitably collapse!"

"Once the Seven Nations Alliance collapses, the Dao Defense Alliance will be next. At that point, they will completely lose their control over their fate and become fish on a chopping block."

Upon hearing this, everyone present felt a chill run down their spines.

Even those who advocate for peace do not want to see a terrible situation where they have no bargaining chips and are at the mercy of others.

"True Lord Lu's method is usable. It can demonstrate our strong countermeasures and put pressure on Beast King Valley, preventing them from supporting the Demonic Path forces of the Seven Nations Alliance."

The voice of the True Lord Liuyang was deep and resonant; as a proponent of peace, he also chose to agree.

With Alliance Leader Chu, Lan Chang'an, True Lord Liuyang all expressing their opinions, it was naturally difficult for other cultivators to object.

Soon, the Dao Defense Alliance will mobilize all major forces and enter a state of semi-war preparedness.

This was Lan Chang'an's first time participating in a major meeting and decision-making process of the Dao Defense Alliance, becoming a chess player on the Cloud Peak, and influencing the fate of a region of cultivation.

The following half-day, the assembled elders discussed the personnel and resource allocation for the preparation for war.

This involves complex relationships of interest, and only a general outline can be determined at the beginning. Further detailed discussions and coordination among numerous cultivation factions are needed.

After the meeting, representatives from all parties left the Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters.

Lan Chang'an chose to stay behind alone.

As a veteran of the Dao Defense Alliance, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to stay here and cultivate during wartime.

"I need to trouble Alliance Leader Chu. I may need to stay at the Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters for some time to cultivate."

Lan Chang'an said with a smile.

Chu Tianfeng was somewhat surprised.

He thought Lan Chang'an had something important to discuss with him, but he didn't expect him to actually intend to stay for a while.

After all, the personal disciple of Alliance Leader Chu was implicated and killed by True Lord Lu. At this point in time, the relationship between the two sides is somewhat delicate, and they should avoid contact.

"Lu stayed at the Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters mainly for two reasons."

Lan Chang'an remained calm and composed, and began to speak:

"Firstly, I, Lu, am willing to assist the Dao Defense Alliance in uncovering the traitors and strongholds within the Wujian Gate or Beast King Valley. At the very least, we need to find high-ranking members in the mid-to-late stages of the True Core realm, which would be sufficient to counter the Demonic Path Path's counterattack."

"The Wujian Gate excels at infiltration and concealment. Is True Lord Lu confident he can accomplish this task?"

Chu Tianfeng stood with his hands behind his back, his figure as upright as a towering peak, exuding extraordinary bearing. At this moment, a slight hint of joy appeared on his usually calm face.

I'm about 50-60% sure.

Lan Chang'an smiled, his tone relaxed.

As long as the Dao Defense Alliance provides him with enough intelligence, it won't be too difficult for him to identify high-ranking members of the Demonic Path below the Nascent Soul, given his extraordinary abilities as a fourth-tier Divination Grandmaster.

The key point is that Beast King Valley and Wujian Gate never imagined that Lan Chang'an possessed fourth-order divination skills.

At most, it is believed that Lan Chang'an is blessed with good fortune, protected by the Heavenly Master's Fate Dao, or possesses a treasure that can conceal the secrets of heaven and make calculations.

"This is the intelligence gathered by the Dao Defense Alliance."

Chu Tianfeng trusted him greatly, took out a Jade Slip, engraved confidential information on it, and handed it to Lan Chang'an.

"I have one more small matter that I need Alliance Leader Chu's assistance with..."

Lan Chang'an then brought up the matter of taking a concubine.

"Now that we're in wartime preparations, transferring Xia Wenyue to the Dao Defense Alliance Headquarters shouldn't be difficult. However, if Fellow Daoist Jin Yue finds out afterward, she might feel a rift."

After hearing Lan Chang'an's detailed (freebie) plan, Chu Tianfeng was stunned, and his face twitched slightly.

Lan Chang'an paid a price, which would allow him to openly and legitimately take a concubine.

Of course, he also noticed that Lan Chang'an and True Lord Golden Moon were at odds, and he didn't want to scheme against the latter.

"Hehe, if the Dao Defense Alliance is expected to produce another Nascent Soul Cultivator, it can't possibly share the same hatred as the pro-peace faction's True Lord Golden Moon and completely side with the Proud Moon Palace, can it?"

Lan Chang'an chuckled softly.

"True Lord Lu, could it be...?"

Chu Tianfeng, revealing surprise for the first time, his sharp gaze fixed on Lan Chang'an.

Lan Chang'an nodded, confirming his guess.

"If that's the case, I, Chu, will certainly cooperate!"

Chu Tianfeng overjoyed and immediately agreed to the matter.

As the leader of the Dao Defense Alliance, Chu Tianfeng is deeply anxious about the lack of top-tier combat power within his camp.

Out of consideration for their master-disciple relationship, he gave Situ Lan a chance, but the latter needed to prepare part of the Nascent Soul Formation fortuitous opportunity.

Situ Lan failed, and the resources he had prepared for Nascent Soul Formation were taken away by the Wujian Gate.

Chu Tianfeng was heartbroken and depressed, but he had to remain calm and composed, not revealing his inner emotions, and handle the matter impartially.

Lan Chang'an's current actions are like a pillow delivered to someone who's been sleeping.

Beast King Valley used an excuse to stifle a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Dao Defense Alliance. If they could cultivate a new Nascent Soul as soon as possible, that would be the most powerful slap in the face.

Lan Chang'an was convinced of Chu Tianfeng's magnanimity, tolerance, and willingness to support talents from other sects before he revealed his plan to him.

Moon Empress.

The Dao Defense Alliance has entered a state of preparation and deployment, and the major forces in the Cultivation World of the Three Kingdoms are inevitably filled with anxiety and some chaos.

Some lower- and middle-level cultivators, unaware of the truth, fled upon hearing the news.

As a result, they were caught red-handed by the well-prepared law enforcement monks of the Dao Defense Alliance.

The feigned military mobilization did indeed expose some problems, which was entirely within Lan Chang'an's expectations.

The captured escaped cultivators should naturally be dealt with severely.

Some of the fleeing monks tried to justify themselves, shouting loudly:

"We are not running away, but rather following the example of ' True Lord Changqing,' preserving ourselves first, and then repaying our homeland when we have achieved great Law Power!"

This remark immediately drew a chorus of agreement:

"That's right! We are simply weak in Law Power; we will save our fighting spirit and determination to resist demons for another day."

Snap! Snap!

The Pseudo-Core True Person, who was enforcing the law, was slapped several times across the face:

"How dare you slander ' True Lord Changqing '! Your crime is compounded!"

"Ah?!"

Those few sophistical cultivators who were trying to use True Lord Changqing's name to make excuses were immediately dumbfounded.

The same thing that True Lord Changqing could do, they couldn't.

Not only was there no forgiveness for mentioning it, but the punishment was actually compounded?

"Hmph! Ignorant brats, daring to try and emulate the Legend of Changqing?"

The Core Formation Cultivator the law sneered and mocked.

"Don't you even bother to find out what strategy you used to catch so many of you who are trying to escape?"

(End of this chapter)