Chapter 104: The Tide of Events

“Where is Aunt-Master Su now?”

Chen Luo’s concern lay with the potential aftermath, as the core conflict originated from Su Tianyao himself. His possession of a tier-3 array master legacy served as the catalyst.

“He has gone missing.”

A trace of worry clouded Huang Ying’s face.

Such a significant event, if not handled carefully, could easily escalate and spread throughout the entire sect. This was no unfounded fear; there were already signs indicating this possibility.

“Gone missing?” Chen Luo frowned, sensing something amiss. “Why would it become so widely known despite his disappearance? Hasn’t the sect taken any action?”

“They couldn’t contain it! An elder from Xingdou Peak perished within the arcane realm, and Elder Ke, the peak lord dispatched for support from Beast Control Peak, also went missing. Some have spotted Nine Poisons Valley’s venomous creatures and Corpse-Raising Sect’s iron corpses near the outskirts of the realm.”

From these brief pieces of information, Chen Luo discerned the undercurrents at play.

This incident was far more complex than what appeared on the surface, involving deeper conflicts. With three Foundation Establishment experts—one fallen and two missing—it was evident that some third-party influence must have been involved to reach such a dire outcome.

Huang Ying glanced around discreetly, then leaned close to Chen Luo’s ear and whispered softly.

“Nine Poisons Valley and the Corpse-Raising Sect have formed an alliance. The Xingdou Peak elder who died within the arcane realm was killed by their combined forces. Elder Ke from Beast Control Peak and Su Tianyao turned traitor, aligning with the enemy. The situation is far more perilous than what’s being circulated outside.”

“Where did you hear this information?”

Chen Luo looked at Huang Ying, curious about the source of her news.

If the situation truly stood as she described, he would need to consider his escape route. Along the way, he might also look for opportunities to acquire a couple of useful brains, preferably from Foundation Establishment cultivators, ensuring they are relatively complete.

“Elder Sister Shen told me all this; she left the mountain last night,” Huang Ying revealed the origin of her information.

Chen Luo recalled that Huang Ying’s most significant supporter was indeed Elder Sister Shen. Initially, selling talismans for her had earned Huang Ying her first substantial profit. When Chen Luo began learning inscription, the templates he practiced with were borrowed from Elder Sister Shen through Huang Ying.

Assuming Huang Ying wasn’t deceiving him, there was a high likelihood that the information was accurate.

“Elder Sister Shen is an Inner Sect disciple of Wu Dao Peak and highly skilled in magical symbols,” Chen Luo thought to himself. “Her status sets her apart from us, making it likely that the information she received is more accurate.” The fact that Elder Sister Shen had already fled early indicated that the situation might be even worse than they perceived.

“The Dragonfish within the Divine Lake Formation were personally cultivated by Elder Ke. Now that he has joined forces with the two hostile sects, he will undoubtedly help them break the formation. Without its protection, controlling the scale of war becomes impossible, and we could even lose the main peak.”

The betrayal of two Foundation Establishment cultivators placed the Divine Lake Immortal Sect at an absolute disadvantage.

Chen Luo recalled seeing the Dragonfish chasing the intercity flying boat when he first joined the sect. At that moment, he was deeply impressed and learned about Elder Ke’s reputation.

“Shixiong, let’s leave the mountain together,” Huang Ying said solemnly.

She had been waiting for this opportunity to persuade Chen Luo to depart alongside her. Since their entry into the sect, she had witnessed his steady growth step by step. In Huang Ying’s eyes, Chen Luo’s potential rivaled that of someone with heavenly spiritual roots. There was a high likelihood he would succeed in reaching Foundation Establishment, and as such, risking everything for a future Foundation Establishment cultivator seemed worthwhile to her.

“Many people have already applied for missions outside the sect, Shixiong. You should apply too, and we can return together to our hometown in She Nation. Guarding the sect’s interests doesn’t count as defection,” Huang Ying revealed her plan.

Having just entered the sect for a year, they were not even Inner Sect disciples yet, with no obligation to involve themselves in this turmoil.

“The sect won’t allow it.”

Chen Luo shook his head.

It wasn’t stubbornness; rather, the higher-ups of the sect would never consent.

With so many disciples trained by the Divine Lake Immortal Sect, releasing them during the imminent war was unthinkable. Especially for Inner Sect disciples, Elder Sister Shen likely had connections that allowed her to exploit a loophole, but others might not be as fortunate.

As the situation evolves, the sect may even cancel the ‘guard duty’ assignments altogether, abandoning external forces and consolidating their defensive lines.

Moreover, there was one crucial point:

The sect leader of the Divine Lake Immortal Sect had shown no signs of action thus far.

As long as he remained, the sect could not fall.

In the cultivation world, wars differed from those among mortals; top-tier combat power was the decisive factor for victory. The Divine Lake Immortal Sect had endured for so long precisely because it never lacked Core Formation cultivators. As long as a Core Formation patriarch remained, the sect would not perish.

“Is Shixiong thinking about the sect leader?” Huang Ying asked, seemingly aware of Chen Luo’s thoughts.

If Chen Luo could consider this, naturally, she had already thought about it too. One could say that throughout the entire Divine Lake Immortal Sect, from top to bottom, everyone harbored similar concerns.

“The sect leader’s end is near. He hasn’t been seen publicly for over sixty years now,” Huang Ying revealed softly. “This information also came from Elder Sister Shen.”

Something has befallen the sect leader? Chen Luo instantly understood.

No wonder Nine Poisons Valley and Corpse-Raising Sect’s provocations have become increasingly blatant. During his last joint mission, he encountered their attempts at testing the waters. Although he wasn’t privy to how the higher-ups responded, it was clear that these two sects perceived weakness, leading to their current aggressive actions.

Huang Ying’s revelation solidified Chen Luo’s resolve to leave the sect.

A war involving entire sects posed far too great a risk for him. Getting caught in the aftermath of a high-level cultivator’s battle could easily prove fatal.

“I understand.”

Chen Luo took a deep breath and nodded.

“I’ll leave tonight. I’ve already accepted the mission to guard outside the sect, assisting Elder Sister Shen. If Shixiong doesn’t secure a task, come find me at the Blue Rain Pavilion, and I’ll add your name to the roster so we can depart together.” Huang Ying packed up her stall and stood, having originally come here just to wait for Chen Luo.

Now that she had delivered the message, it was time for her to prepare for departure.

After leaving the Merit Bestowal Grounds, Chen Luo headed towards the main hall where his shizun, Daoist Wuwei, practiced cultivation.

If anyone on Wu Dao Peak could provide the most accurate information, it would undoubtedly be Daoist Wuwei, a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

“Ah? Didn’t expect Shidi’s cultivation to have broken through again—truly commendable.”

As Chen Luo approached the entrance of the main hall, he encountered someone unexpected: Bai Su, the foremost disciple of Wu Dao Peak. Just like before, she wore all white attire, with silver bells adorning her arms, emitting a pleasant melody.

“Greetings, Elder Sister Bai Su.”

Chen Luo stepped aside respectfully.

This woman was dangerous; Chen Luo had witnessed it during his last visit with Fang Shan. At that time, they assumed she had returned to attempt Foundation Establishment, but now it seemed there might be other reasons.

Her aura still indicated peak Qi Refinement.

Six months had passed; he wondered if her Foundation Establishment attempt failed or if she was waiting for something else.

“Seems like Shidi is quite afraid of me?” Bai Su suddenly approached Chen Luo, whispering close to his ear.

The warmth of her breath tickled his ear, causing his pupils to slightly contract as he unconsciously took a step back.

He hadn’t even noticed how she moved closer.

“Let’s go inside. Hopefully, we’ll meet again, Shidi.”

Bai Su chuckled softly, her figure vanishing like a gentle breeze. A white veil fluttered past, and as it disappeared, so did her presence.

Chen Luo paused briefly, watching the direction where Bai Su had vanished.

This elder sister appeared to have a keen interest in him.

‘Whatever her intentions, as long as she doesn’t bother me, it’s fine.’

Pushing open the door, Chen Luo looked into the inner hall.

Inside the hall, Daoist Wuwei remained seated as Chen Luo had first seen him upon arriving at the peak. However, this time, more than half of the paintings on the walls were missing, leaving only scattered few hanging there. Instead of cultivating, Daoist Wuwei was sitting and reading a book.

“Shizun.”

Chen Luo bowed respectfully.

Daoist Wuwei put down his book and examined Chen Luo from head to toe.

Upon noticing Chen Luo’s strength at the ninth layer of Qi Refinement, even a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes. Achieving the ninth layer within just one year indicated a cultivation speed comparable to someone with a heavenly spiritual root.

‘A pity.’

A trace of regret flashed across Daoist Wuwei’s gaze.

“I remember your name is Chen Luo?”

“Yes.”

“And you wish to undertake the mission to guard outside the sect?” Daoist Wuwei placed the book aside, his gaze scrutinizing Chen Luo closely.

Chen Luo did not expect Daoist Wuwei to be so direct, but since he brought it up, it presented an opportunity to seek genuine information.

“Disciple has heard…”

“It’s all true.” Daoist Wuwei interrupted Chen Luo before he could finish his question.

“The rumors outside are true; Su Tianyao and Kesh Jiu have indeed betrayed the sect. Furthermore, I can tell you that both the Tianming Peak Lord and Tianlu Peak Lord have already left the Divine Lake Immortal Sect. Among the remaining seven of us, it’s uncertain how many remain loyal to the sect.”

These words left Chen Luo momentarily stunned.

He had not anticipated the situation within the Divine Lake Immortal Sect to be so dire. No wonder Elder Sister Shen fled without hesitation.

Daoist Wuwei was remarkably candid, revealing nothing less than the actual state of affairs in the sect to Chen Luo.

“When our patriarch founded the sect, he emphasized profit above all else, allowing everything within to be valued by spirit stones. This system enabled the Divine Lake Immortal Sect to rapidly accumulate resources and rise from obscurity. However, it also sowed significant hidden dangers.”

“We, as members of the sect, hold little emotional attachment. When the sect is strong, we gather around to enjoy its resources, but if it weakens, none of us would willingly face death alongside it.”

“Every choice has its benefits and drawbacks; it depends on what one decides to prioritize.”

With these words, Daoist Wuwei waved his hand.

A nearby scroll painting automatically rolled up and fell into his grasp.

“I’m not sharing this merely for idle conversation; there is actually something I’d like to request your assistance with.”

“Please go ahead, Master,” Chen Luo promptly responded. “As long as it’s within my capabilities, I will gladly help.”

He wondered what could possibly require the aid of a Qi Refinement disciple from someone at Daoist Wuwei’s level of Foundation Establishment.