Demon Cloud Sect

After washing up.

Long Xiao took Bibi Dong's hand and headed to the construction site. Her face was still flushed, and who knew what she was thinking.

The noise of construction never stopped within the sect.

The sect truly resembled a construction site now. There were no excavators or cranes, yet the work was no slower. After all, they had cultivators.

They arrived at the dining area, a temporary worksite cafeteria put together from several large tents.

Xu Jiaojiao and several villagers were bustling about.

The two of them sat down at a table.

"Jiaojiao, bring us something to eat."

Xu Jiaojiao nodded. "All right, Sect Master. Please wait a moment."

As she spoke, she ran into the kitchen and soon brought out several dishes, all perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

"Come eat with us."

Long Xiao called out to Xu Jiaojiao.

Xu Jiaojiao nodded and sat across from Long Xiao. She secretly studied Bibi Dong. This woman radiated mature charm, with a touch of bewitching allure. She was so beautiful.

The Sect Master really knew how to enjoy himself.

But then again, the Sect Master was a Heavenly Being.

"Dong'er, Jiaojiao's cooking is truly good. Have some too."

Long Xiao placed a piece of meat into Bibi Dong's bowl and looked at her with a smile.

Bibi Dong nodded and began eating in small bites.

Xu Jiaojiao remembered her father's instructions from last night, but when she saw Long Xiao, she did not know how to bring it up.

"Jiaojiao, what's wrong?" Long Xiao could not help asking when he saw her acting somewhat shyly.

"I... um, Sect Master... can I join the Divine Sect?" she asked timidly.

Long Xiao froze for a moment, then nodded with a laugh. "Hahaha, of course you can. I already like you for being such a good cook. But have you discussed this with your father?"

There were only six people in the sect right now, and one of the system's missions was to bring the sect's numbers up to ten. He had originally planned to wait until the sect was finished before summoning a few more laborers.

If Xu Jiaojiao came, at least the kitchen problem would be solved.

Seeing Long Xiao agree, Xu Jiaojiao was overjoyed. Her eyes sparkled as she nodded frantically. "Mm-hm, mm-hm. This was my father's idea too. He hoped I could study under Sect Master Long, cultivate diligently, and protect the peace of this region."

Bibi Dong quietly ate without saying anything.

However, she caught an important piece of information. The Sect Master liked women who could cook. If she learned a few tricks from little Xu, would she not be able to surpass Bo Saixi? After all, that woman was about to become the sect's second strongest member.

"Since your father agrees, then it's settled."

"Disciple Xu Jiaojiao greets the Sect Master!" Upon hearing this, Xu Jiaojiao hurriedly rose and performed a disciple's salute.

"No need for formalities." Long Xiao chuckled. "You can live in the sect from now on. If there's anything you don't understand, ask Little Bone and the others. They're all easy to talk to."

"Thank you, Sect Master!" Xu Jiaojiao was so happy she nearly jumped up.

"By the way, why haven't I seen your father today?" Long Xiao looked around.

"Him... the city lord of Purple Yin City, next to Azure City, came to visit today, so my father went back to receive the guest," Xu Jiaojiao said softly with her head lowered.

"So that's how it is. I have nothing to do today. How about we go have some fun in Azure City? Dong'er, what do you think?" Long Xiao turned to ask.

Bibi Dong's heart fluttered wildly. She had never been to Azure City before, and besides, did this count as a date?

"I'll follow the Sect Master's arrangements."

"I'll go prepare the horses!"

The moment Xu Jiaojiao heard this, she became extremely excited and hurriedly ran toward the sect entrance.

Long Xiao also gave Gu Rong and the others instructions to watch over the mountain gate and take good care of Xiao Xixi's room.

Southern Big Dipper Dynasty.

Within the Demon Cloud Mountains stood a massive sect—the Demon Cloud Sect.

The Demon Cloud Sect was one of the largest powers in the Big Dipper Dynasty. As its name implied, it was a sect of demonic cultivators.

The Demon Cloud Sect had now grown powerful enough to stand on equal footing with the imperial family. It was only restrained by the other major sects, as well as the many large and small sects under the dynasty's control, from acting too recklessly.

That day.

The main hall of the Demon Cloud Sect.

An old man sat in the seat of honor. He was Mo Yunli, the sect master of the Demon Cloud Sect.

He was listening to his subordinates report on recent developments.

"The tribute from the Little Demon Sect has been delivered."

"Black Mountain Stronghold, none..."

"Sect Master, Black Mountain Stronghold did not submit any resources this month?"

The subordinate responsible for reporting was surprised. The stronghold chief of Black Mountain Stronghold was at the Ninth Layer of the Diegang Realm, so he was considered someone notable. That was why the subordinate remembered him.

Why would someone who submitted tribute every month suddenly forget?

"Hehe, I heard from one of the disciples that when he passed through Azure City, he heard that the newly appointed city lord intended to destroy Black Mountain Stronghold. It seems he succeeded," an elder beside him said with a smile.

"Oh? Is that so?"

The moment Mo Yunli heard this, he became interested. "Hehehe, since Black Mountain Stronghold is our subordinate, how can we let someone destroy it so casually?"

"Sect Master, you mean...?" The elder understood immediately, but still asked.

Mo Yunli smiled coldly.

"This is a perfect chance to test the imperial family's attitude. Mo Duo, take the newly manufactured War Behemoth to Azure City and make a trip there."

"Understood. I will go make preparations at once."

Mo Duo bowed and withdrew. Black Mountain Stronghold was unimportant, but it had given them an excuse to test the imperial family's attitude.

The War Behemoth was the sect's secret weapon. Today, they could finally test its results.

After riding for half a day, Long Xiao and the other two finally arrived in Azure City.

Standing in the middle of the street, Bibi Dong sighed inwardly. "This architectural style is different from Spirit City. It has an antique charm and a unique flavor."

The streets were packed with people. Some held cups of tea and gathered in groups of three or five to chat, while many others drank and ate in restaurants. In any case, Azure City was extremely lively.

Bibi Dong had taken a fancy to many things, but she remembered that she was the sect's financial steward and had to restrain herself.

"Dong'er, once we have money in a while, you can buy whatever you want."

Long Xiao had quite a few plans to make money, but for now, he had to wait for the sect to be completed. It was like getting the company established before expanding the business.

"Mm, thank you, Sect Master." Bibi Dong's heart felt warm.

"Sect Master, let's go to my father's place first. He'll definitely be happy to know you've come."

Xu Jiaojiao acted like a tour guide.

"All right, we'll do as you say."

Long Xiao nodded.

The three of them passed through the bustling crowd and headed straight for the city lord's residence.

Along the way, Long Xiao actually saw promotional materials spreading the ideals of the Divine Sect. Xu Zhong was indeed efficient; he had already begun publicizing it, and had even posted notices recruiting construction workers.