Chapter 67: Rubbing Without Entering

"Junior Brother Shan, the Sect Leader’s Immortal Technique requires a significant cost. Once you go in, you must cultivate diligently and not let the Sect Leader down!" Shan Tai, initially full of exuberance because of his advancement in Realm, almost had his tail wagging up to the sky. Upon hearing Ji Linghan’s reminder, his expression turned serious, and he solemnly said, "I will heed Senior Sister’s teachings and certainly won’t let the Sect Leader’s sacrifice go in vain!" Brother Cheng was speechless, "I haven’t sacrificed anything, I’m standing here perfectly fine, aren’t I?" The reason for choosing you over Luo Yuan or Lin Ning is mainly because your Realm is low and the price is cheap; just 3000 points to level up. But seeing the effect is quite good, he couldn’t be bothered to say anything more. Once the three Soul Splitting Realm disciples had prepared all necessary resources, he quickly arranged for them to enter the Xuanji Map Fragment. "Alright, this Sect Leader is going to visit Eight Clouds Hall, so stay and look after the house!" "Huh? The Sect Leader is going where?" Ji Linghan had just come out and wasn’t clear on what was happening. After some explanation from the disciples, she realized Jiang Cheng was going to Eight Clouds Hall. It’s been over eighty years since they last met, and now they have to part again? "Sect Leader, may I go with you?" She was hoping to spend more time with Jiang Cheng. "I want to go too!" Yin Xuer was not willing to fall behind. Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, thought how romantic it would be to travel with beautiful women. But this trip to Eight Clouds Hall was clearly a trap. He was definitely going to die, possibly more than once. He didn’t want them to be killed in the chaos, as that would be truly irreversible. In the end, he could only painfully refuse with style. "Why do you think I improved your cultivation?" This question left the two women at a loss, not knowing how to answer. "It’s so you can better defend our home!" "Understand?" Our home? My and his home? Both women were lost in thought, feeling as though they had received a grand mission, and immediately decided to defend the home to their death. Even though there was actually the double insurance of Ah Huang and the Three-Eyed Tiger here. A day later, Jiang Cheng entered the territory of the Eight Clouds Hall. This operation was quite dangerous, and even though he had the chance to teleport twice daily for traveling, he still chose to fly honestly. No choice, to be on the safe side. Speaking of which, eliminating Eight Clouds Hall would be easy for the Feixian Sect if the Three-Eyed Tiger was willing to step in, not even breaking a sweat. But the issue is, Brother Cheng had seen through that tiger’s heart and mind. There’s no need to guess; it definitely wouldn’t be willing to help, and would rather mock sarcastically. "Alas, the Dao of Cultivation ultimately still requires one to be down to earth; everything has to rely on oneself!" Before entering the mountain gate, he was inspired and said a wise saying that could be struck by lightning. If this is considered being down to earth, then what are others? On the day of the celebration, outside the magnificent mountain gate, Spirit Beast Flying Vehicles came and went without end. From time to time, guests would arrive and be warmly escorted inside. Given the strength and status of Eight Clouds Hall, those invited this time were either Celestial Fate level experts or Level 7 and above Alchemy and Artifact Refining Masters. Among these, the only one worthy of Great Elder Xu Yuancan personally greeting was the Eldest Prince Xiang Ba from the Qianxing Dynasty. The nation within the cultivation realm, in fact, only managed mortal citizens and some loose cultivators, not having much constraint over the many cultivation sects within its territory. Cultivation sects generally have no interest in competing with secular royal power; they only strive for cultivation resources. Eight Clouds Hall and the Qianxing Dynasty have little conflict of interest or interaction. However, the area controlled by the Qianxing Dynasty is overwhelmingly vast, spanning several million miles. The advantage of abundant resources and the number of talents are displayed, with their power still surpassing Eight Clouds Hall. Just a single Blood Radiance Army composed entirely of Spirit Platform Realm cultivators, numbering as many as a hundred thousand, could annihilate Eight Clouds Hall several times over. Furthermore, the Xiang Family is an Ancient Cultivation Family with profound heritage and numerous experts. The Eldest Prince Xiang Ba had already reached Celestial Fate Ninth Layer, far surpassing Qi Yuansheng, not to mention the highest ruler of the dynasty. His arrival surprised even the envoys from neighboring states. It seems that Eight Clouds Hall is a key target for the Eldest Prince’s allegiance; otherwise, he wouldn’t deign to come in person. "Halt, who goes there?" Just as Brother Cheng was about to enter the mountain gate, he was stopped by the Outer Sect Elder responsible for greeting guests. The guests invited this time, were either famous top talents from various states or the older generation with a millennium of reputation. Even without Jade Talisman Invitations, he would recognize them. But Jiang Cheng was just too unfamiliar. Even though Brother Cheng had flattened Qinglan Prefecture, expanding to the Feiyun State hadn’t really made any waves. "I am the Sect Leader of Feixian Sect!" He puffed up his chest and handed over the Jade Talisman Invitation. "Feixian Sect?" The Outer Sect Elder searched through his memory carefully, having no impression. No way, he’d heard of the Duanmu Family and the Red Sun Sect. As for Feixian Sect, their previous status was just too low. But upon seeing the Jade Talisman Invitation, it was authentic. Maybe it’s some junior picked up by a sect elder while traveling outside. "You wait here!" "Why wait?" Your mountain gate is wide enough for tens of thousands to walk side by side, isn’t it? Have to line up or what? The Outer Sect Elder said expressionlessly, "Don’t you see the Great Elder is conversing with the Honored Guest?" What? They’re having their conversation, what’s it got to do with me? Jiang Cheng looked over at Xu Yuancan and Xiang Ba; both sides were chatting below the mountain gate, exchanging formalities without knowing how long it would take. Looking at the grand gathering over there, he could guess they must have significant backgrounds. Is this implying that my status isn’t high enough to spoil the mood of the big shots? Brother Cheng was instantly quite displeased. Oh, you’ve set a plot trap to lure me here, and I’m already cooperating by coming over. Isn’t this enough to repay your good intentions? Now, still want me to obediently be a foil for your honored guests? Don’t I deserve any face? "Fine, goodbye then!" After saying so, he waved his hand, decisively turning away. The Outer Sect Elder was also taken aback; what’s this person’s situation? Just a Sect Leader from a small sect, should be grateful to be able to enter Eight Clouds Hall. What, waiting a bit makes you feel aggrieved? You think you’re being looked down on? Do you think you deserve it? "Not seeing you off!" Watching Jiang Cheng’s distant figure, he disdainfully smirked, not taking it seriously. "Wait!" "Sect Leader Jiang... hold on!" Lu Zhong, who had been waiting near the mountain gate, got anxious and couldn’t hide any longer. He had cleared all secular matters early that morning, concentrating on waiting for Jiang Cheng’s arrival at the mountain gate. Not only that, he sent other disciples to wait at several other entrances. Having waited all morning, he could hardly contain his anticipation. What if that kid doesn’t show up at the last minute? What if he forgets today is the big celebration day? Jiang Cheng is too important to them, and he was still worried. Upon seeing that familiar figure finally appearing at the mountain gate, Lu Zhong almost couldn’t resist breaking into song to celebrate. You’ve finally come; our plot’s plan has been rehearsed for so many days, just waiting for you, the main character, to fall into the net. But then Jiang Cheng lingered at the mountain gate and instead turned around and left. What’s going on?