Xu Qi'an, holder of an Earth Book Fragment

Jianzhou, Yuezhi Mountain Villa.

The white lotus Daoist priest, who was about forty years old, had a round face and a plump figure. She wore a black Daoist robe, her black hair was tied up and inserted with an ebony Daoist hairpin. Her simple and casual style revealed the gentleness of a woman.

The usually gentle and easy-going Daoist Bai Lian, who always had a smile on her face, now walked silently around the perimeter of the manor with a serious expression.

A dozen or so disciples followed behind her, clearing away obstacles and attempting to rearrange the formation.

This place has just been bombarded by artillery fire. Shells fell like meteors, creating huge craters, and shockwaves ripped off the bluestone slabs paving the ground, destroying houses and trees.

One member of the Heaven and Earth Society was unfortunately hit by artillery fire and his body was never recovered; two other members of the Heaven and Earth Society were seriously injured.

After escaping the Earth Sect, this group of Earth Sect disciples who maintained their rationality and did not fall into demonic ways changed their name to the "Heaven and Earth Society".

Most importantly, the array that the Golden Lotus Daoist had set up in the manor was forcibly torn open, and could no longer stop the surging enemies, including those martial arts figures who were not strong but numerous.

Rogue Cultivator in the martial arts world have always been a troublesome group. They are numerous, their methods are cunning and despicable, and they are willing to risk their lives for resources.

Since he had no powerful connections, he couldn't afford to miss any opportunities if he wanted to get promoted.

"Master Bai Lian."

A disciple in a light blue Daoist robe rushed over, tears welling in his eyes, and choked out, "Junior Brother Ling Zhen, he, he..."

Before she could finish speaking, she burst into tears.

Ling Zhen was one of the seriously injured disciples; his injuries were too severe to save him. Since he hadn't cultivated a Yin Spirit, his death was simply that—death—no different from that of an ordinary person.

Behind Bai Lian, the eyes of more than a dozen disciples reddened.

After the leader of the Earth Sect fell into demonic possession, most of his disciples also fell into demonic ways and became evil. Now, there are only thirty-six disciples who are still conscious, and losing even one of them would be a huge loss.

Currently, there are only thirty-four orthodox disciples of the Earth Sect left.

"He will accompany us in another form," the beautiful woman sighed.

"Uncle-Master Bailian, didn't you say that Daoist Jinlian invited the holders of the Earth Book fragments to help? Where are they? Why haven't they arrived yet?"

A female disciple asked, tears welling in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, the other disciples also looked over, their eyes shining slightly, because Martial Uncle Bai Lian had emphasized to everyone more than once that the holders of the Earth Book fragments were all chosen ones with extraordinary abilities.

We will definitely be able to help them protect the lotus seeds and get through this ordeal.

"It will come, it will come."

Master Bailian kept comforting her disciples, without revealing her own worries. The recent artillery bombardment had truly caught her off guard.

According to the arrangement of the Golden Lotus Daoist, the entire Yue Clan Manor is an array. Each holder of the Earth Book fragment guards a position, and with the help of the array's power, they can block external enemies and hold out until the lotus seeds mature.

Once the lotus seeds mature, Master Jinlian will be able to recover some of his fighting strength. Moreover, they will no longer need to defend the manor to the death; they can fight and retreat simultaneously, and finally successfully withdraw.

"What we need to do now is repair the formation and plug this gap," Bai Lian instructed.

The disciples fell silent and busied themselves with their own tasks, some clearing away the ruins, others repairing the formation.

Watching their busy figures, the elegant woman frowned her delicate brows and sighed silently. In truth, she herself didn't know who the holder of the Earth Book fragment was, or whether they could help them overcome this crisis.

"Meow"

Just then, several orange cats darted out from the bushes and quietly watched the busy disciples.

These cats were brought back by Master Jinlian and have been kept in the manor for a while now. They usually roam around the manor but don't run away; they seem to consider this place their home.

It's really hard to understand why Master Jinlian developed a love for raising cats after going out for a while. However, the female disciples seem to like these cats quite a bit, enjoying cuddling and playing with them during their free time from cultivation.

Master Bailian looked at the cats and smiled.

"Uncle-Master Bai Lian, is there any point in repairing the formation? Even if we fix it, the next round of artillery fire will easily destroy all our efforts."

A young disciple smashed the materials in his hand in a fit of anger, his eyes red with grief and helplessness. "We are not Warlock from the Bureau of Astronomy, we cannot draw a formation to withstand cannon fire."

"We... we can't protect the lotus seeds. The demonic cultivators who have fallen to the demonic path, the martial arts alliance, and the suddenly appearing imperial forces—what right do we have to protect them? What right do we have?!"

His emotions infected the other disciples, who silently put down their work and looked at Master Bailian.

The graceful and pretty middle-aged Daoist nun felt a chill run down her spine, knowing that her disciples were on the verge of collapse. During this time, various Rogue Cultivator had gathered in a small town a dozen miles away.

This includes the Martial Arts Alliance, the Earth Sect's demonic sects, and the imperial court's force capable of deploying Law Artifact and cannons.

The Yuezhi Manor had sent disciples in disguise to infiltrate and secretly gather this intelligence, posing as martial arts figures. This is why they knew how powerful the enemy was.

The worry and fear that had been building up in my heart for so many days were ignited by the artillery bombardment just now.

"Don't worry, we still have the holders of the Earth Book fragments; we are not alone."

Before she could finish speaking, a young female disciple interrupted her, squatting down and loudly retorting, "There isn't actually a holder of the Earth Book fragment, is there, Master?"

"If there really were reinforcements, and if there really were holders of the Earth Book fragments, why wouldn't you know? You've been keeping it from us because you've been lying to us."

Bai Lian frowned slightly as she glanced at the disciples. They were also looking at her, their eyes filled with disappointment and frustration.

"So that's what they thought too," the White Lotus Daoist's pupils suddenly sharpened, and he shouted:

"Even if there is no one who possesses the Earth Book fragment, you are unable to fight? Our Earth Sect cultivates merit and upholds justice; our disciples and followers have never feared death."

The disciples were silent for a moment. A young disciple shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Uncle-Master Bai Lian, we are not afraid of death, we are afraid of useless sacrifice."

"To this day, only twenty-four true followers remain in the Earth Sect. All of them perished for the sake of the Nine-Colored Lotus. Do you and Aunt Golden Lotus really think this way?"

Another disciple clenched his fists, tears welling in his eyes. "If all my fellow disciples die at Yuezhi Manor, what good will it do to preserve the Nine-Colored Lotus? The incense offerings will be cut off."

The female disciple who had previously argued loudly began to sob, "Master, let's back out. Please go and talk to Aunt Jinlian, okay?"

Master Bailian was not angry, but only saddened. Back then, these children were full of vigor and were the future pillars of the Earth Sect. Ever since the sect leader fell into demonic ways, they had been hiding and watching their fellow disciples and teachers fall into the demonic path and turn their butcher's knives against them.

Years have passed, and they have become like birds startled by the mere twang of a bow.

Their will is slowly being worn down, their courage is being eroded bit by bit. They desperately need a victory to restore their confidence and rebuild their faith.

Suddenly, Bai Lian's ears twitched slightly as she heard a faint sound in the wind. She instinctively looked up and saw a sword light whistling towards her.

Flying on a sword?

Bai Lian's heart skipped a beat. Flying on a sword was a unique technique of the Daoist School, and all three sects—Heaven, Earth, and Man—could use it. At this critical juncture, the appearance of a master who could fly on a sword was more likely to be from the Earth sect's demonic path.

The surrounding young disciples immediately went on alert, each drawing their Law Artifact. When it came down to fighting, they were not afraid of death.

The figure on the flying sword seemed to realize that he was being locked onto by more than a dozen auras. He calmly reached into his robes, took out a small jade mirror, and waved it at the crowd below.

The young disciples remained on high alert, unaware of the object. However, Bai Lian's pupils contracted slightly as she recognized it as a fragment of the Earth Scripture, a supreme treasure of the Earth Sect.

"Yes, it's the holder of the Earth Book fragment." Bai Lian said with delight, while pressing her hand down to signal her disciple not to act rashly and accidentally injure the reinforcements.

The holder of the Earth Book has arrived?

The disciples' faces showed expressions of surprise, confusion, or excitement; there really was someone who possessed a fragment of the Earth Book.

Although Master Bai Lian kept emphasizing that there were reinforcements, no matter how much the disciples pressed him, Master Bai Lian refused to reveal the identity of the holder of the Earth Book fragment.

As time went on, the disciples didn't say anything on the surface, but they began to have doubts in their hearts.

Now, at their lowest point, the holder of the Earth Book fragment has truly appeared.

The flying sword landed beside the ruins, and two beauties gracefully leaped down. The one in front wore a Daoist robe, had a bright oval face, red lips and bright eyes, skin as white as snow, and eyebrows with a slight sharpness at the ends, exuding a heroic spirit.

The other girl had features typical of people from Southern Frontier; her features were exquisite and beautiful, her temperament was lively, and her azure eyes were like the sea, bright and sparkling.

But her wheat-colored skin and agile figure made her look like a small female leopard living in the jungle.

"Li Miaozhen, the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect, Li Miaozhen"

"Is it Senior Sister Miaozhen? Is it really Senior Sister Miaozhen?"

"That's wonderful! Senior Sister Miaozhen is the holder of the Earth Book fragment from our Earth Sect?"

The disciples recognized Li Miaozhen. The three sects of Heaven, Earth, and Man each had their own philosophies, and the Celestial Person and Man sects were particularly hostile, but they were not completely estranged.

Disciples from the three sects would occasionally visit each other. Although the Celestial Person and Human sects often parted on bad terms, the word "Daoist School" ultimately maintained a delicate connection between the three sects.

It won't be completely cut off.

The recent conflict between Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen, a battle between the Celestial Person, caused quite a stir. The Yuezhi Manor was not isolated from the world, and the disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society knew everything about it.

Li Miaozhen performed a Daoist salute, smiling modestly, "Greetings, fellow disciples."

The young disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society returned the greetings, and then looked at Lina.

True Intention and introduced her, saying, "She comes from the Li Gu tribe in the Southern Frontier."

Everyone bowed to Lina again, and the dark-skinned man from the Southern Frontier bowed in return.

"Only two?" a young disciple asked tentatively.

If there are only two reinforcements, it won't really help the situation much, even though the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect, Li Miaozhen, has already reached the fourth rank and is a promising rising star.

But the current situation is one of being surrounded by wolves and teeming with experts.

"They'll be here soon." Li Miaozhen smiled.

The disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society were overjoyed, which meant that there was more than one reinforcement. They began to look forward to the other holders of the Earth Book fragment.

It's impossible to tell how skilled the young girl from the Southern Frontier is, but Li Miaozhen is quite famous, so the others must be no less skilled.

Just then, someone else arrived on a sword, circled once above the Yuezhi Manor, and quickly descended, aiming to stab at Li Miaozhen and the others.

Two people stood on the spine of the sword, this time two men. The one in front wore a blue robe, had a handsome face, and a strand of white hair on his forehead.

Behind the man in the blue robe was a burly middle-aged monk with ordinary features and a gentle demeanor; there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.

"Chu Yuanzhen, Registered Disciple the Human Sect, is probably familiar to all of you fellow disciples of the Earth Sect," Li Miaozhen introduced with a smile.

"Chu Yuanzhen?"

A pretty female disciple exclaimed in surprise.

Before the battle between Celestial Person and Man, Chu Yuanzhen's reputation was only known in the capital, but after his fight with Li Miaozhen, this Registered Disciple the Human Sect quickly became famous.

His past deeds were also unearthed: he was the top scholar in the imperial examination of the 27th year of the Yuanjing era, and resigned from his official post the following year to Martial Dao. After several years of silence, he quickly rose to prominence and was praised by Wei Yuan as "the number one swordsman in the capital."

He is a figure with a strong legendary aura.

The Daoist leader was overjoyed to have brought the most outstanding disciples of the Celestial Person and Man Sects into the Heaven and Earth Society. Li Miaozhen was destined to become a high-ranking member of the Heaven Sect.

Could her joining the Heaven and Earth Society be at the behest of the Heavenly Sect? Does the Heavenly Sect also feel that the Earthly Sect's group's demonic possession damages the image of Daoist School, and is planning to intervene?

Similarly, did Luo Yuheng, the head of the Human Sect, also hold this view?

Master Bailian's insight was deeper and more far-sighted than that of his ordinary disciples.

"Our Heaven and Earth Society has suffered such a great calamity. We are deeply grateful to the four of you for traveling thousands of miles to come and help us. We will never forget you." Bai Lian stepped forward and bowed solemnly.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "The situation is very bad right now. The Martial Alliance alone has more fourth-rank experts than we do, not to mention the demonic cultivators who have fallen into demonic ways, and a group of rogue cultivators who are just taking advantage of the Rogue Cultivator."

"Just do your best, and don't overexert yourselves. If it really doesn't work, then give up on the Nine-Colored Lotus."

She believed that with our combat strength, we wouldn't be able to turn the tide. Chu Yuanzhen understood the unspoken meaning in Bai Lian Daoist's words. Although it sounded dismissive, the sentiment was genuine.

Chu Yuanzhen chuckled, "There's another person, stronger than both Miaozhen and me. Moreover, he's a well-known figure in the martial arts world who should give him some face."

Li Miaozhen turned her head and looked around, saying irritably, "Why hasn't he arrived yet?"

Hengyuan shook his head. "Perhaps it's still on its way."

Who were they talking about? Someone even stronger than Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen, someone who could command respect from prominent figures in the martial arts world—what kind of important person must that be? The disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society exchanged bewildered glances.

With Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen's outstanding achievements as precedents, everyone's expectations were high.

"Master Jinlian, it's been a long time. Why haven't you changed your quirks yet?"

A sudden burst of laughter came from behind the group. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a young man dressed in black, with his hair tied in a high ponytail and a long sword hanging from his waist, squatting in front of an orange cat and waving at it.

The orange cat was startled; it arched its back and bared its teeth at him.

"Master, your acting is really convincing," he said with a hearty laugh.

"That, that's not Martial Aunt Jinlian, it's just an ordinary stray cat," a female disciple whispered.

The young man with his hair in a high ponytail turned around and asked in surprise, "Really?"

He was very handsome, with lips of moderate thickness, a high nose bridge, bright and deep eyes, and a strong facial structure that exuded masculinity.

On the spot, more than a dozen disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society were shocked by the sudden shock, and disbelief surged through them, their faces stiffening.

Xu, Xu Qi'an?!

Xu Qi'an, the Silver Gong Master of the Great Feng Dynasty!

The disciples living in seclusion at the Yuezhi Manor were no strangers to this young man who rose like a comet and created one legend after another.

He truly entered the Yuezhi Mountain Villa intelligence network after the Buddhist School magic contest ended, when the imperial court widely issued official reports to announce it to the world, thus establishing Xu Qi'an's legendary fame Great Feng.

Subsequently, the disciple responsible for going out to gather intelligence sent back a detailed profile of this person.

Imprisoned, he single-handedly solved the tax silver case and rescued his Lineage; ordered to thoroughly investigate the Sangbo case, he uncovered the old case of Princess Pingyang's murder, which led to the downfall of a large number of court officials; later, he went to Yunzhou to investigate the case, and stepped forward when the delegation was in trouble, single-handedly holding off several rebel troops.

After returning to the capital, he first solved the case of Consort Fu in the palace, then defeated the Buddhist School, and won the battle of magic—a legendary man.

Many male disciples recalled that during that time, many of the female disciples in the manor often discussed this man in private, saying that there were thousands of young heroes in the martial arts world, but none of them could compare to Xu Qi'an.

That's not all. About half a month ago, an imperial edict of self-reproach was posted in Jianzhou City, which shook the entire Jianghu of Jianzhou.

The man on the dragon throne, after thirty-seven years in power, issued his first edict of self-reproach, the contents of which were shocking.

The disciples of Yuezhi Manor made inquiries and learned that such a major case had recently occurred in the capital: the Prince of Huai massacred the city, the emperor covered it up, and all the officials in the court, under pressure from imperial power, chose to protect themselves and no one stood up to redress the grievances of the 380,000 people.

It's Xu Qi'an!

He stormed the palace, captured the Duke, and angrily denounced the court at the execution ground. With a single stroke, he not only brought order to the world but also severed his own future.

Every single female disciple of Yuezhi Manor greatly admired that legendary Silver Gong.

They never expected that the legendary figure they had long admired was actually the holder of the Earth Book fragment, a member of the Heaven and Earth Society, and one of their own.

This is more inspiring than any grand ambition.

The young female disciples were flushed with excitement, their eyes sparkling as if they might scream and pounce on them at any moment.

Li Miaozhen glanced around discreetly, clearly seeing the excitement and admiration in the young Daoist nun's eyes. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, showing some displeasure.

Her displeasure stemmed from her unwillingness to see the female disciples of the Earth Sect fall into Xu Qi'an's trap; he was a lecherous scoundrel, far from a decent man. What else could it be?

"Cough cough!"

Master Jinlian appeared like a ghost, standing beside the orange cat, stroking his beard with a forced smile:

"Young Master Xu, you must be joking. How could I possibly be a cat?"

"Wow, the Daoist priest's gaze is a bit scary." Xu Qi'an tactfully changed the subject. "Daoist priest, we're here. How long until the lotus seeds ripen?"

After saying that, he looked around and said, "You used the Earth Book to notify us to come here because of this situation?"

Master Jinlian nodded, glanced at the chaotic scene, and said helplessly:

"Your Great Feng emperor is also very interested in the Nine-Colored Lotus Seeds. He not only sent a team of mysterious experts, but also brought Law Artifact cannons. Their bombardment at dawn destroyed the formation I had set up."

He sighed, "I originally planned for you to cooperate in using the formation to protect the manor and expand our advantage, so that we could achieve victory with fewer troops. Now..."

Before Xu Qi'an and the others could reply, a voice suddenly rang out, echoing across the ruins. "Such a crude contraption, you call it an array?"

The voice was filled with undisguised contempt and disdain.

The Heaven and Earth Society disciples were furious. They looked around and shouted, "Who speaks? Hiding their heads and tails!"

"Well!"

A low, ethereal sigh came from all directions, omnipresent.

"If Heaven had not given birth to Yang Qianhuan, the Great Feng would have remained in perpetual darkness."

The voice, seemingly from the distant High Antiquity times, carrying immense vicissitudes and a profound history, echoed in everyone's ears.

"May I ask who you are, senior?"

If Heaven had not given birth to Yang Qianhuan, the Great Feng Dynasty would have remained shrouded in eternal darkness. What domineering power, what arrogance! The graceful and beautiful White Lotus Daoist was taken aback. Besides the holder of the Earth Book fragment, the Golden Lotus Daoist leader had actually invited a peerless master?

The disciples present also put away their Law Artifact and looked around nervously, searching for the figure of the "senior." Since even Martial Uncle Bai Lian addressed him as "senior," how could they dare to say anything offensive?

"There," a female disciple whispered, having spotted him.

A figure in white stood in the distance, his back to the crowd. He stood with his hands behind his back, the wind blowing his clothes and hair, making him look like an immortal.

"This is Yang Qianhuan, the famous Warlock from the capital. Senior Yang," Xu Qi'an quickly introduced to everyone.

The White Lotus Daoist nun stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your help, Senior Yang. Did you and Senior Brother Golden Lotus meet in the capital?"

As she spoke, the White Lotus Daoist nun glanced at the Golden Lotus Daoist nun not far away.

The Daoist leader actually managed to get in touch with the Bureau of Astronomy Observatory, which is known for Bureau of Astronomy Warlock, after the Confucian School, are the most arrogant group of sorcerers. They don't even respect the Warlock Daoist School.

As expected of the leader, he has unknowingly arranged things to such an extent.

The disciples' faces lit up with joy.

Yang Qianhuan snorted, "Who is Jinlian?"

"Uh..." The White Lotus Daoist nun was taken aback. "You don't know Senior Brother Golden Lotus?"

Yang Qianhuan stood with her hands behind her back, her tone aloof. "Why should I know him?"

Bai Lian asked curiously, "Then what brings you here today?"

Beside her, a dozen or so disciples watched Yang Qianhuan's retreating figure.

Yang Qianhuan said calmly, "If it weren't for Xu Qi'an's request, I wouldn't bother with such mundane matters."

"That's enough, Senior Brother Yang, the smell is too strong." Xu Qi'an silently covered his face.

So it was Young Master Xu who invited him. Yes, he represented the Bureau of Astronomy in the magical duel with the Buddhist School sect that day, so he must have some connection with the Bureau of Astronomy. The White Lotus Daoist nun turned around, bowed solemnly to Xu Qi'an, and said softly:

"Young Master Xu's reputation for chivalry is well-deserved; the Heaven and Earth Society will never forget your great kindness and virtue."

The disciples realized that the white-robed senior was an assistant invited by Young Master Xu, and their gazes toward Xu Qi'an became even more grateful and respectful.

The female disciples' eyes lit up, feeling that Young Master Xu perfectly matched the image of perfection they had imagined, without any deviation.

I admired him more and more.

"Senior Brother Yang, please maintain this air of superiority," Xu Qi'an said, seizing the opportunity. "Senior Yang, why don't you show off your skills and help Yuezhi Manor repair and improve its formations?"

For a moment, everyone from the Heaven and Earth Society, including Jinlian and Bailian, looked at the back of Yang Qianhuan's head with anticipation.

Yang Qianhuan found himself in a predicament where he couldn't back down. If he refused, the image of a superior person he had cultivated would not only be completely destroyed, but would certainly be greatly diminished.

"Okay," he replied briefly, then added, "Everyone, leave this area and do not approach."

The beautiful woman, Bai Lian, smiled faintly and said, "Of course, we wouldn't pry into your secret techniques."

He just didn't want you guys to see his face while he was repairing the formation Xu Qi'an thought to himself.

Deep within the mountain villa, beside a cold pond.

"This is the nine-colored lotus?"

Lina's eyes reflected the nine-colored glow of the sunset, and she sighed, "How beautiful."

Li Miaozhen pursed her lips, also harboring the unique longing and desire of a woman. From ancient times to the present, women have always found it hard to resist flowers, especially beautiful ones.

"It's definitely time to break the hymen," Xu Qi'an commented.

He couldn't help but think of the princess kept in a private courtyard, the reincarnation of the flower goddess from nine hundred years ago. The way she looked when she was deflowered must have been breathtakingly beautiful.

Chu Yuanzhen and Heng Yuan remained calm. The former was only devoted to the sword in his hand, while the latter was clear-headed and would not be affected by external things.

Master Jinlian said, "This morning's artillery barrage was merely a test; they're afraid of ruining the lotus seeds at this crucial moment. Hehe, the lotus seeds will ripen by tomorrow evening. I estimate that today will be the day they tear off all pretense and attack the manor."

"Let's talk about our enemy this time. Knowing yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle." Li Miaozhen sat cross-legged by the pond.

After a moment's hesitation, Daoist Jinlian slowly nodded. "There are three forces coveting the Nine-Colored Lotus. First is the Earth Sect's demonic path. I won't mention the Black Lotus Daoist leader's avatar. Besides the leader, the Earth Sect has nine elders, namely 'Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Cyan, Blue, Purple, Gold, and White'."

He turned his head to look at the middle-aged Daoist nun with a round face and fair skin, and introduced her, "This is Elder Bai Lian."

The elegant and mature Daoist nun, Bai Lian, smiled and performed a Daoist greeting.

Master Jinlian continued, "I am Elder Jinlian. Among the remaining elders, Zilian died at the hands of Yang Yan. Yang Yan was at the peak of the fourth rank and was also a martial artist. It is not unjust for Zilian to lose to him."

"But Zi Lian's cultivation level is the lowest among the elders. The three elders, Crimson, Orange, and Yellow, are at the peak of the fourth rank. The three elders, Green, Cyan, and Blue, are a bit weaker, but still much stronger than ordinary fourth-rank elders."

Li Miaozhen muttered to herself, "I'm just a bottom-tier fourth-rank."

She had only been at the fourth rank for three or four months, and her foundation was shallow, far from being comparable to experienced or even peak fourth-rank masters.

Lina frowned, a look of confusion flashing in her azure eyes. She counted on her fingers for a moment, then suddenly realized. "Red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, gold, white, Golden Lotus Daoist, you and White Lotus Daoist are the ones at the bottom, aren't you?"

The White Lotus Daoist nun was stunned for a moment, then questioned the Golden Lotus Daoist with her eyes: What's wrong with this girl? Why is she humiliating someone to their face?

Master Jinlian shook her head slightly: You're overthinking it.

"Cough cough!"

He cleared his throat and steered the conversation back to business. "The Martial Alliance has gathered all the major gangs and forces under its command. Most of those gang leaders and sect masters are fourth-rank officials, but their strengths vary. I haven't had much contact with them, so I can't give an accurate estimate."

"The one we really need to be wary of is Cao Qingyang, the leader of the Martial Alliance. He is ranked third on the Martial Ranking, and it is rumored in the martial arts world that he has one foot in the door of the third rank. He is one of the most promising figures to become a third-rank martial artist in the hundreds of years of the Great Feng arts world."

Chu Yuanzhen pondered for a moment and asked, "What is his true combat strength?"

The statement that one foot has stepped into the third rank is too general and cannot measure true combat strength.

Master Jinlian analyzed, "Even two Yang Yans couldn't defeat him."

In other words, it would take three Yang Yans to defeat him, or at least draw with him. Chu Yuanzhen's expression turned grave.

"When did my former direct superior become a unit of measurement for combat strength?" Xu Qi'an relieved the pressure by complaining.

"How many troops did the imperial court send?" Li Miaozhen asked.

"It wasn't an army, but a group of mysterious masters. They were dressed in black robes and wore masks. There were about twenty of them, and they carried cannons. They were stationed in a small town a dozen miles away," Master Jinlian described.

"A spy for the Prince of Zhenbei?!"

It seems that the forces left behind by the Prince of Zhenbei have been absorbed by Emperor Yuanjing. Xu Qi'an and Li Miaozhen exchanged a glance.

"So they were spies of the Prince of Zhenbei," Master Jinlian said in realization.

The enemy has too many experts; not to mention anything else, just considering the fourth-rank martial artists alone, their numbers overwhelm them. Even the carefree Lina felt the immense pressure.

Xu Qi'an stood by the pond, gazing at the nine-colored lotus, and suddenly asked:

"Master, this nine-colored lotus is very important to you, isn't it? You're willing to sacrifice everything to protect it."

Li Miaozhen and the others were taken aback and all looked at him. Chu Yuanzhen was the first to grasp the deeper meaning. Li Miaozhen followed, and then Hengyuan.

Lina failed the IQ test.

I remember Master Jinlian saying that the reason he was seriously injured and fled to the capital that day was because he was injured by the demon-possessed Daoist leader when he stole the Nine-Colored Lotus. The Nine-Colored Lotus's function and value are greater than I imagined, otherwise Master Jinlian wouldn't have risked his life to go back and steal it. Chu Yuanzhen thought of this detail.

Although the Nine-Colored Lotus is a rare treasure, unless it has an extremely important function, in the face of such a situation where powerful enemies surround it, abandoning the lotus and preserving one's strength would be the right choice. However, Master Jinlian only wanted to confront them head-on. Li Miaozhen glanced at Xu Qi'an and thought, "As expected of you!"

Hengyuan's thoughts were similar to the other two.

"That's right, the nine-colored lotus is extremely important. It's one of the key factors in my purge of my sect, and I cannot afford to lose it," Master Jinlian answered frankly, without explaining the reason.

"Master, you need to pay more," Xu Qi'an almost couldn't control himself and blurted out those words.

At this moment, a disciple rushed over and shouted urgently, "Master, a group of Rogue Cultivator have taken advantage of the formation being forced open and have broken in. There are a lot of them!"

Master Jinlian turned to Xu Qi'an and Li Miaozhen: "This matter will require your assistance."