Chapter 327 : War Between Immortal Cultivation Sects
Chapter 327: War Between Immortal Cultivation Sects
Yan Daozong had been defeated by Hu Yan and fell before reaching the top three. Although he himself felt lost, the disciples of the Martial Sect were extremely invigorated.
The disciples of the Martial Sect were all those with poor aptitude for immortal cultivation, yet the martial path within the Martial Sect allowed them to catch up with other cultivation disciples.
For Yan Daozong to break into the Top Ten and contend against those geniuses at the Ninth Layer of the Nourishing Vital Energy Realm was enough to prove that the martial path was not inferior. How could the Martial Sect disciples not be excited?
Even if their upper limit was Yan Daozong, it was still enough to inspire their yearning.
The Top Ten battles were held once every three days. Over the next three days, the entire sect discussed Yan Daozong’s martial path. More and more disciples went to the Martial Sect to acknowledge a master. Yan Daozong had become famous through a single battle, proving the strength of the Martial Sect elders.
Three days later came the second match—Xie Shu versus Clear Flame Daoist.
Xie Shu revealed his illusion techniques for the first time. With just a single encounter, he defeated Clear Flame Daoist, leaving all spectators stunned.
Only then did the remaining Top Ten disciples realize how terrifying Xie Shu was—including Hu Yan.
While the entire sect was immersed in the excitement of the Grand Dao Tournament, Li Qingqiu convened a council meeting at Lingxiao Courtyard.
He explained the situation of Xiyu Immortal City, causing the upper ranks to frown.
A mysterious cultivator in the Spirit Perception Realm had investigated the Clear Sky Sect’s branch city—this was definitely not a good sign. It was highly likely that the Clear Sky Sect had already entered the sight of other immortal cultivation sects.
The Clear Sky Sect had developed for thirty years and had encountered many enemies, yet it had never truly clashed with an immortal cultivation sect.
As for the so-called immortal cultivation sects within the Nine Provinces, they could not even be considered true immortal cultivation sects.
The current Clear Sky Sect was indeed powerful—but that depended on who it was compared to. Against any force within the Nine Provinces, it was overwhelmingly strong. However, they had no understanding of how powerful other immortal cultivation sects truly were.
For a moment, Lingxiao Courtyard fell into silence.
Wei Tianxiong also frowned. Although not every sect possessed a great cultivator of the Heaven-Connecting Radiance Realm, the Clear Sky Sect was still in its early stage of development. He did not wish for it to prematurely contend with other sects.
Aside from those geniuses, most disciples of the Clear Sky Sect still lagged behind cultivators of the same realm. This gap came from differences in cultivation time and growth environment.
Of course, he was not belittling the Clear Sky Sect—on the contrary, he believed its future was unimaginable, as long as it could continue to grow.
Yang Jueding was the first to speak, “What’s there to fear! If the other party has ill intentions, then we fight. No matter how strong they are, can they be more threatening than the Northern Land of Demons and Devils? That’s a problem we’ll have to face sooner or later.”
Zhang Yu nodded, “Exactly. If it can’t be avoided, then we deal with it. Coincidentally, don’t we already have a plan to explore the Western Region Perilous Land?”
The other hall masters voiced their opinions—some conservative, some aggressive.
“I’ve already sent Yuan Li ahead. We’ll observe the situation for now,” Li Qingqiu said.
In truth, he had already made up his mind. The reason he let the upper ranks discuss it was to let them know in advance and face the pressure early, so they wouldn’t be caught off guard.
Upon hearing that Yuan Li had already gone, everyone relaxed.
Li Qingqiu swept his gaze across them and said, “If it truly is an immortal cultivation sect and they are hostile toward us, then we will face our first war against such a sect. We cannot fight as chaotically as before. There must be unified command and coordination. Who among you believes they have such capability?”
Immortal cultivation sects possessed manpower, formations, magic implements, demon beasts, and more. If war broke out, it would not simply be two sides agreeing on a battlefield and fighting it out. Nor could one person suppress the enemy through a lone deep incursion. This would be a far more complex war than any mortal conflict.
Xue Jin spoke first, “I can do it. Though I haven’t commanded large-scale battles before, I’ve studied military texts. And as a True Lord, I should bear more responsibility.”
Li Qingqiu nodded in satisfaction. Xue Jin had always been reliable. Whenever the sect faced trouble, he never retreated and was always proactive. That was one of the reasons Li Qingqiu had chosen him as a True Lord.
“I’m willing too!” Li Sifeng added.
“You sit this one out.”
Li Qingqiu shot him a glare, leaving him dejected while the others couldn’t help but laugh.
Zhang Yuchun then said, “Actually, there’s no need to choose from among us. We all hold important positions and cannot neglect internal stability for the sake of war. This is also a good opportunity for the disciples to show their abilities.”
His words were agreed upon by most present.
In fact, Li Qingqiu already had someone in mind. With such a vast number of disciples in the Clear Sky Sect, there were naturally those with talent for command.
Not only command talent—Li Qingqiu paid attention to all disciples with special abilities, even recording them privately without informing anyone.
He openly nurtured those with outstanding cultivation talent, while secretly cultivating those with unique abilities.
Of course, he did not always remain hidden from them. He would meet them privately, pretending it was a chance encounter, and since they got along, he would offer care—while telling them not to speak of it, lest other disciples feel it was unfair.
This method was quite effective; these disciples’ loyalty rose quickly.
Li Qingqiu looked at Wei Tianxiong and said, “Deputy Hall Master Wei, share your thoughts. Your experience in immortal cultivation surpasses ours—we need your insight.”
Wei Tianxiong now served as Deputy Hall Master of the Heavenly Works Hall. His abilities were outstanding, earning recognition from the upper ranks. Combined with his high cultivation and age, everyone respected him.
Hearing this, Wei Tianxiong explained how immortal cultivation sects waged war. Everyone listened attentively, soon becoming shocked. They had not expected such wars to be so complex—the endless methods alone were enough to instill fear.
……
After more than half a month of competition, the top three of the Third Grand Dao Tournament were decided: Hu Yan, Xie Shu, and Qin Zhaoxue.
Qin Zhaoxue was a member of Qin Ye’s clan, possessing excellent aptitude and a special fate trait. In the current Clear Sky Sect, the Qin Clan was powerful, so it was not surprising for them to produce a genius.
Qin Zhaoxue had displayed talent since beginning cultivation and had long been famous. However, she had always been considered slightly below the top-tier geniuses—at least in others’ eyes.
Among the top three of this tournament, aside from Hu Yan, the other two were dark horses.
This also proved the foundation of the Clear Sky Sect. Beyond the prominent disciples, many geniuses were quietly growing.
It was not until September that the final battle for first place began.
In the end, Hu Yan successfully claimed first place, proving his reputation.
Thus, the Third Grand Dao Tournament came to an end, though the excitement continued.
At dusk, Hu Yan sought out Li Qingqiu.
“If not for my Righteous Qi of Vast Integrity being immune to illusion techniques, I feel I wouldn’t have been Xie Shu’s opponent,” Hu Yan said with a frown.
Li Qingqiu smiled, “Righteous Qi of Vast Integrity is your talent, just as illusion mastery is Xie Shu’s talent. There are no ‘what ifs.’ You are the genuine first place. Rather than doubting yourself, you should reflect on your shortcomings and strive to grow stronger.”
Hu Yan indeed did not possess the overwhelming dominance of Xu Ning or Yun Cai, but the level of this tournament far surpassed the previous two.
As time went on, the tournaments would only grow more intense—perhaps even leading to situations where the first place narrowly won.
After hearing this, Hu Yan felt it made sense. He had indeed been overthinking.
Li Qingqiu continued, “From now on, you are no longer a disciple protected by the sect. Instead, you must shoulder responsibility—protect the younger generation and strive to enter the Spirit Perception Realm as soon as possible. The times ahead will not be peaceful. The Clear Sky Sect will soon face great trouble again.”
Hu Yan was not surprised. Life could never be smooth, especially for a massive force like the Clear Sky Sect. The challenges it faced would only grow greater.
“Master, please assign me tasks in the future. I can now help share the sect’s burden,” Hu Yan said seriously.
“Reach the Spirit Perception Realm first,” Li Qingqiu waved his hand, and Hu Yan could only give up.
The master and disciple chatted for the time of one incense stick before Hu Yan finally took his leave with a formal salute.
“Even this kid has grown… time passes quickly. Who should I nurture next?”
Li Qingqiu pondered silently. Once he reached the Heaven-Connecting Radiance Realm, he would have more time to train disciples.
Training disciples not only benefited the sect but also gave him a sense of achievement—he did not find it troublesome.
However, any disciple he personally taught must possess peerless aptitude to match his identity as Sect Master.
It was not about showing off. Being the Sect Master’s disciple meant bearing immense pressure—without sufficient talent, one would not be able to endure it.
Just like Qin Ye, who would rather stay outside than return, fearing comparison and bringing shame to Li Qingqiu.
Even Yuan Li, before his awakening, had borne tremendous pressure.
Hu Yan’s talent was already high, yet he still faced constant pressure. The entire sect watched him—any flaw would be magnified and discussed.
“If Yin Jingxing hasn’t returned, then I’ll choose another from within the sect.”
Li Qingqiu thought silently. Shen Yue had been gone for two years and was now being hunted by an immortal cultivation sect, making him worry that Yin Jingxing might also be in trouble.
Although failing to obtain the Extreme Yang True Body was regrettable, Li Qingqiu would not be disappointed.
His reliance had never been on any disciple’s special fate trait—but on the Clear Sky Sect as a whole.
……
Under the dusk sky, within a mountain range, there was a mining site where countless slaves were extracting and transporting ore.
Lin Lingzhou was also there. His skin was darkened, his robes tattered, and his hair disheveled—completely different from when he had just left the Heavenly Clear Immortal Sect.
He set down his tools and looked into the distance, his eyes filled with confusion.
He recalled the moment he had been captured by the Myriad Yin Sect cultivators, and bitterness welled up inside him.
Had he known earlier, he should have jumped into the river—there might have been a slim chance of survival.
At this thought, he glanced at the man beside him. The man was emaciated, looking even more miserable than himself.
It was precisely this person—who had acted so confidently—that made Lin Lingzhou believe his words and follow his plan. Yet the moment their ship docked, they encountered Myriad Yin Sect disciples, and this man was defeated instantly upon making a move.
This man was named Wan Feng. His wife had been captured by the Myriad Yin Sect and her whereabouts were unknown. To find her, he had deliberately allowed himself to be captured—but he had not expected his cultivation to be crippled. Now, he could only endure abuse here.
“Look! How did a child get here? He doesn’t look even three years old!”
Someone nearby cried out, drawing Lin Lingzhou’s gaze.