Northern Yin Holy Mother's Challenge! The Peril of a Shaken State of Mind

"They destroyed a low-grade third-tier spirit boat after just one trip. The Northern Spirit Sect even went so far as to use a method that can unleash the power of Nascent Soul True Lord against me. That's too ruthless."

Longevity Sect, inside the Longevity Peak cave abode.

Chen Dengming glanced at the Little Array Spirit that had entered the Soul House to rest, walked out of the secluded meditation room, looked at the cold moonlight outside the window, and couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

Even though he is now much wealthier, losing a low-grade third-tier spirit boat on a single trip, even at the second-hand price, would still amount to a loss of nearly a thousand High-grade Spirit Crystal.

However, as for whether it's worth it, it actually is.

At least this unintentionally revealed the Northern Spirit Sect's methods, showing them their power, so they can be more prepared next time.

"The Northern Spirit Sect's methods seem even more ruthless. Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator can mobilize the Nascent Soul Power, and their strength may even surpass that of an ordinary Golden Core Late Stage cultivator. The Longevity Token is completely outclassed in this respect."

Chen Dengming walked into the hall, picked up a cup of cool spiritual tea, took a sip to calm his nerves, and frowned deeply.

The storm hasn't passed yet; it's still too dangerous outside. We need to lay low for a while.

His feud with the Northern Spirit Sect had become quite serious, not to mention the even more powerful Mochao Kingdom.

Fortunately, he sent out a clone to handle the matter, not his real self who went to investigate directly with his face.

However, after this incident, not only was the secret of the Northern Spirit Sect's ability to allow Golden Core Cultivator to mobilize Nascent Soul Power exposed, but his secret of having clones was also revealed.

If these enemies plan to deal with him again next time, they will likely be even more cautious and thorough.

"I wonder how that cultivator named She Xieneng chasing me is doing now? How much Nascent Soul Power can he still mobilize? Has he been surrounded and killed by the cultivators who came to reinforce him from the Southern Region?"

The last image transmitted from his clone to his mind was of She Xieneng forcibly leaving the Yin Spring using the Nascent Soul Power.

The scene ended there; the Bai Mao clone truly 'Bai Mao on green water,' disappearing into the Yin Spring.

However, Chen Dengming speculated that since the Yin Spring water was so insidious and powerful that it could even freeze the Human Immortal Way Power, even if She Xieneng able to escape using the Nascent Soul Power, the Nascent Soul Power should have been greatly depleted.

This does not mean that the Nascent Soul Power Human Immortal Way Power.

It's also possible that Yinquan is a sacred place of the ghost path, and perhaps it is even more resistant to power that is not of this path.

"Junior Brother, what's wrong? Why did you finish your cultivation so quickly tonight?"

At this moment, He Yingyu's languid yet slightly seductive voice came from inside the inner room of the cave abode.

Chen Dengming was quite annoyed, shook his head, and told He Yingyu about the matter.

"What's there to be upset about? Junior Brother, all you lost was some money and one clone. We thwarted one of the enemy's plots. I think it's a lesson learned at a cost."

A fragrant breeze wafted by, He Yingyu's tall figure, dressed in a thin gauze dress, appeared at the doorway of the inner room.

With her hair piled high in a cloud-like bun and her figure slender and graceful, she possessed an elegant and noble air. At this moment, leaning against the doorpost, her pair of bright eyes gazed affectionately at Chen Dengming's imposing back, appearing refined and graceful.

"Senior sister, you're right, that's exactly what I was thinking too."

Chen Dengming smiled calmly.

Suddenly recalling the incident of the Northern Spirit Sect's Golden Core cultivator demanding the relics of the Northern Spirit Holy Son, I couldn't help but feel that there might be something fishy going on.

Among the relics of the Northern Spirit Holy Son Sect, there may be items that the Northern Spirit Sect highly values.

He Yingyu smiled, "Junior Brother, don't worry! Keep smiling, and good fortune will naturally come!"

"Senior sister, you really know how to comfort people."

Chen Dengming put down his teacup, then suddenly felt the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman vibrate slightly. He immediately picked it up and sent it into his Divine Sense to examine it.

"Junior Brother Chen, you've done another great service this time. The Golden Core Mid Stage cultivator from the Northern Spirit Sect who was chasing you is named She Xieneng."

This person was just severely injured by Zhuang Fangyu and his group who arrived from the Southern Region, his Physical Body was destroyed, and only his soul escaped.

Chen Dengming's face lit up with joy upon hearing this.

Well done, Lao Zhuang.

They surprised him out of the blue.

He immediately transmitted his voice, "Sect Senior Brother, how should this merit be calculated? Is it enough to offset the damage to the spirit boat within the sect?"

"Haha. Of course it's enough. Although you didn't participate in the main Junior Brother, you were the key to luring the enemy out, and you also provided crucial information that the enemy could use Nascent Soul Power."

Based on my years of experience, you should be entitled to one-third of the credit, which is over three thousand battle merits."

Chen Dengming felt relieved upon hearing this.

More than three thousand battle merits are enough to exchange for a new Tier 3 low-level spirit boat. To offset the sect's second-hand boat, one thousand seven or eight hundred battle merits will be enough.

In other words, he didn't lose money this time; he actually made a profit.

Of course, the most important thing is that this time the enemy's attempt to steal a chicken backfired, and they were successfully tricked, which was very satisfying.

"Junior Brother, how is it?" He Yingyu asked, noticing Chen Dengming's relaxed expression.

Chen Dengming laughed heartily, "A cheerful disposition brings good fortune. Senior Sister, you really are a lucky charm. Those guys chasing me are in for it."

He turned his head to look at He Yingyu, who was leaning against the gatepost behind him.

Just then, a night breeze blew by, lifting the open hem of He Yingyu and revealing her fair legs. Under the moonlight, her smooth skin shimmered and looked quite alluring.

This senior sister seemed to be deliberately posing, just waiting for him to turn around and take a look.

Chen Dengming couldn't help but feel a little agitated. "Senior sister, are you serious?"

Come on! Why don't you come?

He Yingyu, abandoning her usual dignified and elegant demeanor, blushed and gave him a flirtatious and coquettish look with her beautiful eyes.

"Are you tired of cultivation?"

Chen Dengming chuckled, "Not greasy at all. How could it be greasy?"

Afterwards.

Nothing more was said that night.

The next morning, Chen Dengming received confirmation of the distribution of his war merits.

However, this news was accompanied by a sudden and more tense situation in the four regions.

When Chen Dengming arrived at the Merit Hall and took away a portion of his battle merits to compensate the sect's spirit boat, Elder Ran stopped him and reminded him.

"Junior Brother Chen, according to reliable intelligence obtained from the front lines, the Northern Spirit Sect may really be unable to sit still this time. The Northern Yin Holy Mother has taken the initiative to challenge our sect's Nascent Soul Nascent Soul to a duel with the Four Domains Joint Elders Council."

Once the United Elders approve the challenge from the Northern Yin Holy Mother, the Ancestor will have to accept it.

Chen Dengming was slightly taken aback.

Is that crazy old hag, the Northern Yin Holy Mother, really that ruthless?

They actually challenged three Nascent Soul Ancestor from the Longevity Sect to a duel.

"What good would this do her? Just for revenge? To save face for her sect?"

Chen Dengming was puzzled.

Even after so many years of warfare, the number of duels between Nascent Soul is still relatively small, countable on two hands.

Whenever a battle is needed between Nascent Soul cultivators, it is often a moment that will affect the balance of power in one side. However, Nascent Soul True Lord have long lifespans and rarely engage in duels.

Elder Ran sighed and shook his head, "Junior Brother Chen, you really shouldn't have gone out this time. You've stirred up a hornet's nest. It seems that the Northern Yin Holy Mother has her eye on you."

A duel between Nascent Soul True Lord is usually to resolve a major conflict of interest, with the victor receiving a share of the spoils. But this time, the Northern Yin Holy Mother only asked that her sect hand you over after she won! This is a very rare request."

"Hand me over?" Chen Dengming wrinkled with surprise.

Is the Virgin Mary serious?

Elder Ran glanced sideways and said, "Not only the Northern Yin Holy Mother, but also the Mochao Crown Prince of the Mochao Kingdom may get involved and challenge our Longevity Sect to a duel. This situation is becoming somewhat troublesome."

The Mochao Kingdom Lord has been so depressed lately; he is likely brewing some big move.

Chen Dengming was also annoyed upon hearing this.

He wasn't the only one who joined forces to kill Kill Chakra Guardian back then.

Going back further, the plan to kill the Demon Prince and severely injure the Blood Fiend Protector was not solely the Longevity Sect's doing.

But now the blame is being directed at the Longevity Sect. Is it because they think the Longevity Sect is too amiable and easy to bully?

"In short, Junior Brother Chen, don't worry too much now. Even if the challenge from the Northern Yin Holy Mother is accepted, the three patriarchs of the sect will never hand you over, even if they are defeated."

Elder Ran comforted him with a smile, then frowned and reminded him, "But you also need to be prepared. You still have a lot of battle merits that you haven't used yet. Exchange them for some life-saving items recently, so that you'll have a way to deal with any trouble you might encounter in the future."

Chen Dengming's heart sank.

Elder Ran was the most senior member of the sect, and his generation was once the same as that of the Third Ancestor.

On the surface, he, the Longevity Dao Child, is the person with the highest status in the sect besides the sect leader.

But in reality, apart from Sect Leader Xing, Elder Ran is the most senior and powerful person in the sect.

The things the other party is saying now may have been discussed with Xing Huiguang or even the patriarch, which proves that the situation is indeed not optimistic.

"Thank you for reminding me, Senior Brother Ran. I understand."

Chen Dengming smiled and thanked him, then took the list of exchangeable items in the War Merit Hall from Ran Yiqiang and returned to his cave abode with a heavy heart.

On the way, Chen Dengming encountered Elder Zhu Guangbiao and greeted him politely.

Zhu Guangbiao slowed his pace to return the greeting, hesitating as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Chen Dengming's heart skipped a beat, and he bowed in surprise, asking, "Senior Brother Zhu, is there anything I can help you with?"

Zhu Guangbiao sighed and shook his head, saying, "Junior Brother Chen, you've had your fill of the limelight these past few years. The name Chen Baimao is known throughout the four regions."

But as the saying goes, "the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind," and someone as shrewd as you surely understands this. You should be more discreet and restrained in the future."

Chen Dengming was taken aback, his eyebrows furrowed, and his expression turned displeased. Zhu Guangbiao had obviously also heard some news.

Zhu Guangbiao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly chuckled and apologized, "Junior Brother Senior Brother, please don't be offended. I only reminded you out of concern, I had no other intention."

Chen Dengming's expression softened, and he bowed with a smile, saying, "Senior Brother is right. Our Longevity Sect Junior Brother always been aloof from worldly affairs. In recent years, I have been too prominent outside, which has caused you trouble."

Zhu Guangbiao's face immediately flushed red, feeling embarrassed and flustered. He quickly bowed and said a few polite words before shaking his head and sighing as he left.

Chen Dengming watched them leave and continued flying forward, sighing inwardly.

Human nature.

They truly can share wealth and honor, but not hardship.

It has nothing to do with strength, nor with social class; it only has to do with people's hearts.

When you're in the Martial World, you're not always in control of your own destiny.

In recent years, his high profile while on the move has almost always been due to being forced to retaliate during the course of his Duty Assignment; there has been almost no instance of him actively provoking trouble.

Some of the things he accomplished also brought great benefits and glory to the sect.

For example, when he was reclaiming wasteland, his meritorious service earned him fame and bought Longevity Sect more time and space to slack off and do nothing. At that time, it wasn't that no one remembered his good deeds.

For example, when he eliminated the Blazing Flame Blood Devil, his meritorious service made him famous, causing many sects outside to no longer dare to underestimate the cultivators of the Longevity Sect, and they also knew how powerful the cultivators of the Longevity Sect were.

For example, when he destroyed the magic array to eliminate the Bull Head General, or when he killed the Northern Spirit Holy Son and the Kill Chakra Guardian, which of these actions was he actively seeking trouble? Which of these actions wasn't a forced life-or-death situation in which he performed extraordinary feats?

But now that trouble is brewing, there are still people within the sect who deny all the merits he has made, thinking he is just chasing fame and fortune and seeking the limelight?

Chen Dengming grew increasingly depressed as he thought about it, his face darkening as he flew silently.

"Your Highness Daozi!"

Suddenly, a melodious voice, as sweet as a lark's, came from behind.

Chen Dengming instinctively asked coldly, "What is it?"

He suddenly turned around, his eyes as cold as lightning, and landed on a female cultivator behind him.

The other woman's delicate body trembled instantly, affected by the strong Mental Will unintentionally radiated from Chen Dengming's eyes. Her face turned pale, her lips were tightly pursed, and she forced a smile.

"No, it's nothing. I, your Nephew Disciple, just wanted to thank you for avenging Senior Brother Cao."

Chen Dengming then snapped out of his daze and realized that the beautiful young woman in front of him was Yang Lan. He was startled and became alert.

What just happened to him?

Given his State of Mind, it's quite inappropriate that he could have harbored such negative emotions for so long, even affecting his daily words and actions. This will create a gap and a hole in his soul, which may evolve into inner demons in the future.

This shouldn't be happening, at least not to him.

Could it be that recently, he has devoted a lot of Mental Strength to creating clones, leading to a weakening of his Mental Strength and instability in his State of Mind cultivation?

"It was you, Yang Lan!"

Chen Dengming composed himself, a smile spreading across his face as he looked warmly at Yang Lan and said, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure just now. Something unpleasant happened, and I apologize to you."

His smile was infectious, and his apology was sincere.

Yang Lan was immediately flattered and relaxed, then quickly smiled and said, "Your Highness Daozi, what are you saying? Everyone has bad days. You don't need to apologize to me. It's me Nephew Disciple may have disturbed you."

Chen Dengming shook his head and said, "I rarely lose my composure like this. As for your words of thanks to Senior Brother Cao, there's really no need for thanks. It was just a coincidence, and Senior Brother Cao has helped me before."

Upon hearing this, Yang Lan completely relaxed, knowing that Chen Dengming was still as amiable as before, and that his temperament had not changed drastically after his position was elevated.

She was genuinely happy about this and said, "Your Highness Daozi, you are still as polite and humble as ever. In fact, you have made so many contributions to the sect and the Eastern Region, and many people should thank you. You should accept it with grace."

Chen Dengming was taken aback. He could tell at a glance that Yang Lan's words came from the heart and she wasn't lying or trying to curry favor with him.

"You really think so? I thought that my recent attention-seeking would make many disciples in the sect resentful."

"How could that be? That's incredibly heartless. You're fighting for the sect's interests and glory."

Chen Dengming was surprised to be both praised and criticized today. His mood brightened, and the gloom from before gradually disappeared.

Human nature cannot be generalized.

Even Zhu Guangbiao might not have been really targeting him; rather, he felt pressured and wanted to vent, which is only natural.

After all, if the three patriarchs of the Longevity Sect were to be involved in the Nascent Soul battle, any mishap would be a huge calamity for the entire Longevity Sect, and no one would be able to remain calm and composed.

"If anything truly happens to the three patriarchs because of me, then I will become the Longevity Old Ancestor and shoulder this responsibility."

Thinking of this, Chen Dengming once again truly understood the meaning of the concept of "the way of heaven is to take from the excess and give to the deficiency" in the Immortal Celestial Lineage.

His State of Mind returned to a state of perfect harmony, and the slight void in his heart was instantly mended.

In the blink of an eye, his State of Mind seemed to have been elevated once again. Not only had the Mental Strength he had previously consumed been recovered, but it had also been enhanced once more.

After exchanging a few words with Yang Lan with a smile, Chen Dengming parted ways and quickly returned to his cave abode.

Now that we have a more open State of Mind, no matter how perilous the future may be, we should be prepared to look forward and strive for progress.

The remaining 170,000 battle merits accumulated after slaying the Northern Spirit Holy Son and the Kill Chakra Guardian should now be used up to properly equip the army.

(We're still 60 votes short, brothers, let's vote! I'll add an extra chapter tonight.)