A Meeting of True Persons, the Situation in Huo Prefecture

---- Mountain North Circuit, Yuan Prefecture, Five Old Mothers Mountain

The morning at Five Old Mothers Mountain was as fresh as ever. Before the sun rose, the ridges were tinged with the pale light of dawn, while a thin mist had already fallen from the sky, enveloping the entire Five Old Mothers Mountain.

The morning breeze that pierces through the forest is even more refreshing and pleasant than the "Snow Gall Flower" brewed in Five Old Mothers Mountain.

The two men and one woman sitting cross-legged in the dense forest, not uttering a word, all had indifferent expressions, showing no sign of contentment whatsoever.

Only when the thin mist gradually dissipated and the bright, warm sunlight dappled through the broad leaves of the trees did the solitary Star -Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion speak again.

The Daoist priest merely glanced at the True Person Moon Hidden before him, his expression showing no unusual reaction. He simply asked in a cold, indifferent tone:

"Fellow Daoist, your lifespan is limited, why insist on getting involved in this mess?"

True Person Moon Hidden maintained a composed demeanor, but his tone of voice did not quite match his expression when he spoke.

"Your family is wealthy and powerful, yet you are unaware of the hardships faced by ordinary families. I have been nurtured by the sect for many years, and I must consider the future generations and the sect before I can have peace of mind."

Bai Canhong chuckled lightly, then said, "Regardless of the circumstances, you, True Person Moon Hidden, have always protected that damned Duke of Qin of Qin. Your family was one of the first Nascent Soul sects to support him, so why would you need to risk your life like this?"

After speaking, he stopped talking to True Person Moon Hidden and turned to the stunningly beautiful face beside him.

The True Person Crimson Snow is over a thousand years old, yet her appearance remains as youthful as ever.

The liveliness between his brows was even more pronounced than that of many young girls in their late teens. If those outside who lacked discernment were to see him, they would hardly recognize that the True Person capable of moving mountains and filling seas.

Bai Canhong's tone softened considerably when addressing such a being, and he asked softly, "What are your thoughts, Fellow Daoist Jiangxue?"

True Person Crimson Snow chuckled softly, unlike True Person Moon Hidden, who was of similar cultivation and had a solemn expression. When Bai Canhong asked her question, the beautiful woman simply covered her mouth and chuckled.

That silvery laughter, though undeniably alluring, made Bai Canhong, sitting opposite her, wary and furrow his brow.

After all, the seductive arts of the Hehuan Sect were renowned throughout the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. Moreover, over the past few thousand years, there had been several True Person who, after joining the Hehuan Sect, never emerged again and disappeared without a trace.

Fortunately, at this moment True Person Crimson Snow clearly had no ulterior motives. She merely smiled faintly for a while, and soon after, she said gently, "Each family has its own path to follow. Why should Master Bai worry about us?"

My Hehuan Sect is willing to relocate its five disciples from the capital region to Mountain North Circuit, so that we may come under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Duke of Qin and be at his command. How could this resolve be easily swayed by Three Words from Master Bai? In my humble opinion, Master Bai should stop wasting his time and abandon the darkness for the light as soon as possible."

Bai Canhong raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this, but the smile on his face also subtly faded:

"Ah, Fellow Daoist Jiangxue, please don't misunderstand me. It was you two who invited me here today, and I, Bai, out of consideration for our past friendship, only offered a few words of advice. As for whether you two appreciate it or not, that's of no concern to me."

These words immediately caused the expressions of True Person Crimson Snow and True Person Moon Hidden to change, but Bai Canhong seemed completely unfazed by their challenge and continued in a deep voice:

"Yueyin, you're old and useless, so you need to plan for your own future; Jiangxue wants to save face for that person in the Mystic Firmament Palace, which is why she's come from afar. As Jiangxue said, everyone has their own path to follow, and I have no reason to criticize them."

Bai Canhong's tone became even more forceful at this point, and he continued, "But my Star-Picking Pavilion has stood firm in Shannan Circuit for thousands of years. Back when we established our dynasty, we even sacrificed the lives of our disciples and the resources of women for this damned Great Wei Immortal Dynasty!! There's no reason for us to just let that guy surnamed Kuang become our prey!!"

Bai Canhong's sudden shout caused True Person Moon Hidden to tremble almost imperceptibly, and also made True Person Crimson Snow, who had been smiling sweetly, look even more serious.

But after hesitating for a moment, the latter still spoke up, "Why do you need to do this, Master Bai? You should know that in the past, Star-Picking Pavilion and the royal family of Great Wei were as close as family. The current Sagacity is wise and without fault, and he has been working tirelessly day and night to cleanse the world."

Talented individuals have also emerged from the royal family. The Duke of Qin has already achieved the highest level of alchemy and is receiving personal instruction from the Palace Master of Billowing Dream. It is possible that the reunion of the Outer Sea and Central Prefecture factions will begin from this point.

After that, the scene of a prosperous and peaceful court was no longer described as "expected," for it had all become a reality. Moreover, there was no inherent barrier between the Star-Picking Pavilion and the Immortal Dynasty, and the White Tower Master had a very close personal relationship with the two princes. So, I, your humble servant, do not know, and do not know why the White Tower Master would attempt such a futile act?"

After the beautiful woman finished speaking, True Person Moon Hidden remained indifferent as usual. However, Bai Canhong sneered again, implying something. "I never thought that True Person Crimson Snow would be such a persuasive person. She is truly remarkable."

To be honest, Bai Canhong did not have much difference in his views on the "preserving the regime" and "destroying the regime" factions. If he were to speak from the bottom of his heart, he might have been more inclined to the former because of the earnest teachings of his master and elders back then.

However, since Kuang Liuting took up residence in Yunjiao Prefecture, apart from a few letters exchanged between the Southern King Kuang Shenzhi and Bai Canhong due to their long-standing friendship, not a single word from Xuanqiong Palace has ever appeared on his desk.

This contradicted the widely known rumors that Emperor of Wei was courteous to scholars, which greatly displeased Bai Canhong.

Despite the fact that the Star-Picking Pavilion had a small number of members, even though the founding emperor had been trapped in the High Antiquity forbidden land for over a thousand years and the world was in turmoil, the disciples of the Star-Picking Pavilion had always focused on their cultivation and rarely did anything out of line.

In this light, although Star-Picking Pavilion no longer provides much material support to the royal family of Great Wei, who are far away in the capital, its words and actions are quite different from those of Two Rivers Circuit arrogant Blood Sword Sect of Lianghedao.

However, it was only natural that Bai Canhong was treated coldly by Emperor of Wei and his thoughts were not clear.

After all, even if Emperor of Wei were to follow his wishes and bring the Star-Picking Pavilion back under the banner of the Immortal Dynasty, he should not expect to be able to command the cultivators of the Star-Picking Pavilion at will, just like Emperor Taizu.

However, his inclination towards the "preservation and restoration" faction remained unchanged.

If Star-Picking Pavilion continues to serve the Great Wei clan, will it be like True Person Moon Hidden, at the mercy of others; or like the Hehuan Sect, willingly subject to their control; or like Liangxi Green Jade Pavilion, mutually supporting the Kuang Household clan and working together to revive the dynasty?

The difference is not something that can be measured in miles.

Bai Canhong knew that the plan of "murdering, arson, and then accepting amnesty" was not without its problems, but that was a matter for the future.

After all, if True Person Moon Hidden, constantly groveling and begging for favors, how could his Star-Picking Pavilion, with its meager number of disciples and manipulated at will by the Kuang Household, possibly survive to the point of "future"?

Bai Canhong didn't bother to explain his grievances to the two men in front of him. As soon as his mocking words fell, he stood up and made a farewell gesture, without even looking at their expressions, and then stopped talking.

However, when he reached the Five Old Mothers Mountain archway, Bai Canhong stopped again. He didn't turn around, but instead examined the cloud patterns and seal characters on it, and then spoke with his hands behind his back:

"I must make this clear to you two fellow Daoists upfront: if you two still insist on facing the brunt of the danger for the Kuang Household, disregarding your own lives in the slightest, then I, Bai, will no longer hold back. Let's see what this supposedly revived Great Wei clan can do to me, with just a mere brat."

Bai Canhong was feeling agitated, so he stopped talking about the generous words of the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion and strode away.

This caused the two True Person Immortals, Yueyin and Jiangxue, who were sitting side by side, to look at each other in bewilderment.

The reason is that in the past, when these three True Person fought, although it was dazzling to outsiders, they still maintained a certain level of restraint. This was not the same as when True Person Moon Hidden fought Wenfengzi.

However, if Bai Canhong were to truly challenge them after this incident, then facing the number one cultivator in the Three Southwest Circuits, the two might actually be in mortal danger.

"Sigh," after another sigh, True Person Moon Hidden picked up the half-eaten tea, now warmed by the sun, took a small sip, and gave a bitter smile again, "What are Fellow Daoist Jiangxue thinking?"

These words sounded familiar to True Person Crimson Snow, but her reply remained unchanged, "Our Hehuan Sect is willing to relocate its five disciples from the capital region to Mountain North Circuit, so that we may come under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Duke of Qin and be at his command. Our loyalty is beyond question, how could we possibly back down?"

"If that's the case, then I wonder who your sect's Sect Leader Xiao?"

The hopeful undertone in True Person Moon Hidden's voice was quickly dispelled by the beautiful woman's words. True Person Crimson Snow gently swayed her head and said in a clear voice:

"Fellow Daoist, do not assume that Guandong Circuit, located in the capital region, is a peaceful place. It is still treacherous and surrounded by wolves, and it is also the ancestral home of the Hehuan Sect in this realm. How could my Wan'er to make a move there lightly?"

"Ha," True Person Moon Hidden let out a bitter laugh, thinking that at least True Person Crimson Snow had disciples and followers far away in Guandong Circuit as a source of confidence. But from the day he Five Old Mothers Mountain the ship of the Office of the Duke of Qin, what room for maneuver had he had?

Ultimately, it was his own choice to take this path, so True Person Moon Hidden didn't harbor any resentment.

Moreover, Kuang Liuting has become a de facto heir to the throne. Even if the Kuang Household has always been cold-hearted, and even if Kuang Liuting is not yet comparable to a giant like the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion, if Master True Person Moon Hidden is willing to risk his life, it will not be difficult for noble scions like him, who are always very concerned about their reputation, to spend some effort later to preserve the Five Old Mothers Mountain lineage and properly cultivate the Five Old Mothers Mountain disciples.

Having read this far, the True Person Moon Hidden was already Ruyi.

He then tilted his head back and downed the remaining tea in one gulp. Afterward, he made a series of hand seals, calculated his remaining lifespan, and then, disregarding the True Person Crimson Snow beside him, muttered, "Not bad, not bad at all."

The latter frowned slightly. She had initially disapproved of True Person Moon Hidden's self-deprecating words and actions, but upon seeing the dim look in the Daoist's eyes, True Person Crimson Snow felt a pang of pity.

She moved gracefully, bringing a fragrant breeze as she approached True Person Moon Hidden. Before he could react, her soft, sweet voice reached his ears. "If you, fellow Daoist, are truly in trouble, I will do my best to take care of the disciples of Five Old Mothers Mountain, and will not leave them with nowhere to go."

"Thank you," said True Person Moon Hidden, but before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt an alluring scent, unique to mature and beautiful women, inexplicably seep into his seven orifices, startling him so much that he quickly shielded his six senses and took several steps back.

"Fellow Daoist, what is this?" The Daoist frowned, but True Person Crimson Snow showed no sign of embarrassment.

But the beautiful woman had once again put on that charming, alluring smile. A soft, seductive word slipped from between her pearly teeth, causing the Yueyin Daoist to freeze in place:

"Bai Canhong is indeed a remarkable figure, but the situation is far from irreversible. Fellow Yueyin may not know, but our Hehuan Sect possesses its own Secret Method for cultivating ethical relationships. If Fellow Yueyin is interested, then..."

The rustling wind in the forest gradually drowned out the clear voice of the True Person Crimson Snow.

The forest breeze eventually merged into some white cloud, drifting leisurely to Huangpi Circuit, a true battlefield of blood and flesh.

---- Huangpi Circuit, Huo Prefecture

"Sword puppets! Sword puppets!! Don't be stingy with your resources any longer, quickly send them up and cut down these shaman soldiers and warrior monks!"

"The Alchemist slowly retreated back to the camp; he was not to be ordered to move!"

"All formation masters, listen to my command! Move forward! Move forward! See if you can find any weaknesses in the formation ahead!!"

"Why haven't the Law Artifact that were entrusted to the rear camp for repair returned yet? If they don't come soon, I'll drag all those burly artifact makers here and have them fight alongside me, shirtless!"

"Ah, Wulang, Wulang, don't be afraid! You haven't been hit by an arrow! You haven't been hit by an arrow! Your brother will take you back! Take you back, Wulang, Wulang!"

Ye Zhengwen, who was usually quite composed, now saw the blood flowing like a river among the disciples of the Double Brightness Alliance on the battlefield, and his eyes turned red with hatred, and he uttered a hateful cry:

"What kind of useless cultivators are those from the Rouge Temple and the Thousand Buddha Grove? My family has slaughtered so many Golden Core from the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall for them, how can they let these witch soldiers and battle monks be pulled back from the front?!"

Those in charge of various clans within the jurisdiction who heard this sighed, saying that the senior disciples of the Sect Leader Kang Da had truly risen with the tide. A mere Foundation Establishment True Cultivator dared to criticize a superior cultivator and was not afraid to overstep his bounds. This was something that many of their Pill Master would not dare to do.

Standing beneath the banner, Sect Leader Kang Da was not as excited as Ye Zhengwen, after all, he had long known that his family only had a slight understanding with the Rouge Temple and Thousand Buddha Grove.

Huang Mi's decision to send his disciples back from Si Prefecture to Huo Prefecture to protect the sect certainly made it difficult for the Chongming Sect's forces to move forward, but it also greatly reduced the pressure on the disciples of Rouge Temple and Thousand Buddha Grove, who were fighting against the remaining main force of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall.

This was a very worthwhile deal for the two teams, which had just suffered the loss of Golden Core cultivator and whose morale had plummeted. There was no reason for them to waste lives on the Chongming Sect, which had no kinship with them, and to drag the disciples of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall back.

However, since both of their Golden Core cultivators are still gathered in Si Prefecture, Huang Mi cannot act rashly. As for the other hall masters of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall, who among them would have a sure chance of defeating Sect Leader Kang Da?

Kang Dabao, standing beneath the banner, did not rush to act. He simply stared intently at the scene before him without uttering a word.

The blazing sun hung high in the sky, and suddenly a dazzling spiritual light appeared in one of the formations of the Chongming Sect, smashing a gap as tall as a person into the ten-zhang-high Vajra Battle Formation in front of it.

The leading bare-chested warrior monk's neck veins bulged, and his dantian foundation instantly shone brightly. The incessant chanting was accompanied by the sound of bones cracking. His leopard eyes were wide open and red as fire, showing no sign of retreat.

However, the Chongming Sect disciples in front of them would not give up this opportunity to press their advantage.

The various formations suddenly surged towards the gap. The bare-chested warrior monk, whose fighting spirit was outstanding, could not hold on for more than a few breaths before his Dao Foundation collapsed, and his entire body turned into a pool of blood mist that merged into the Vajra Battle Formation's light shield.

Immediately afterwards, more and more warrior monks met the same fate as him. A group of warrior monks holding shields immediately formed the Lotus Law Seals, with Golden Light Sanskrit characters flowing around the thick calluses on their tiger's mouth.

Seven chains wrapped with lightning-attracting talismans suddenly appeared and attacked. The fake alchemist under the First Bright Alliance, who was making great strides, was targeted by someone else. The moment the lightning-patterned chains ruthlessly pierced his lungs, his entire body, along with his magic robes and magic treasures, was blasted into dust, barely intact.

However, this unexpected turn of events did not frighten the cultivators of the Double Brightness Alliance. The gap outside the battle formation of the warrior monks visibly widened, and eventually even another battalion of shaman soldiers was implicated and surrounded, leaving them with no choice but to fight like cornered beasts.

Just then, Yu Nian'en, the fourth hall master of the Cloud Marsh Shaman Venerable Hall who was in charge of the war in Huo Prefecture, came out. However, the long-waiting Sect Leader Kang Da ignored the former's anxious expression and hurriedly went up to greet him with his halberd.

Once this fellow is dealt with, Huo Prefecture will be under our control in no time!