Free Web NovelChapter 670: Chapter 253: Return (Part 5)
However, after more than two years, not only did the Nascent Soul True Monarch behind the scenes not intervene, but the Shen Family continued to wage wars without scruple, seizing many spirit fields and spirit ores from surrounding forces like the Great Witch Mountain and Fushan Country.
Due to the Shen Family’s dominance and strength, these forces had endured in silence for a long time, eventually inciting their anger.
Southern Border.
In the main hall of the Bai Xuan Sect on Yangquan Mountain.
Over the years, the number of disciples in the Bai Xuan Sect had not increased significantly.
The reason was that Shen Chongxu intended to pursue a high-end route, retaining only the core combat power in the sect, and only accepting ordinary disciples if they had exceptional talent, with no room for those who were unremarkable.
Now, with his cultivation breaking through to the Fetal Breathing Perfection Realm, the Bai Xuan Sect has gained some fame around Yangquan Mountain.
"Sect Leader, I have received news that Fushan Country has been frequently mobilizing a large cultivator army recently, and their target seems to be the Yangnao Land."
Below, the burly figure of Dongyun Pao, dressed in a short beast-hide garment, spoke with his hands cupped.
As he finished speaking, Ming Zhengchu also stepped forward.
"Sect Leader, I have also received some information. The Yin Corpse Sect has been frequently mobilizing its cultivators, and it seems they intend to focus their efforts on the Yangnao Land."
"In addition, Jianan Temple seems to be making some moves as well."
"Sect Leader, there are also reports coming from my side..."
Dongyun Pao started the brief, and the remaining people began to report on the movements of various forces within their respective areas of responsibility.
Shen Chongxu leaned sideways on the throne, eyes lowered and unfocused, lost in thought.
After everyone had finished reporting, they all looked at each other.
In the past, whenever any nearby forces made movements, Shen Chongxu would seize the opportunity to order them to raid.
Yet now, with large-scale mobilizations from surrounding forces, this clearly seems to be a perfect opportunity for raiding.
Evidently, everyone was puzzled about why Shen Chongxu remained silent.
"Sect Leader?"
Ming Zhengchu couldn’t wait any longer and carefully called out.
His thoughts interrupted, Shen Chongxu slowly sat up straight, glanced at everyone, and said, "Ah Bao will be in charge of the raids; you all arrange it as you see fit."
"Moreover, from today forth, I will be in closed-door cultivation for a time."
"I will temporarily entrust the matters of the sect to Ah Bao. I hope everyone cooperates well and doesn’t think that with my absence, you can act recklessly."
"And if I hear anything unpleasant when I come out of seclusion, don’t blame me for not showing mercy then."
Hearing this, everyone cupped their hands repeatedly and said, "Please rest assured, Sect Leader, we will definitely follow Vice Sect Leader’s orders!"
Seeing this, Shen Chongxu waved his hand casually and said, "Dismissed."
After everyone left, Shen Chongxu called Dongyun Pao alone.
"During my closed-door cultivation, do not disturb me for anything; make all decisions yourself."
Upon hearing this, Dongyun Pao’s expression suddenly stiffened.
"Sect Leader, I..."
Dongyun Pao was about to say something but swallowed his words under Shen Chongxu’s gaze.
"Please rest assured, Sect Leader; I will do my utmost to manage everything well!"
Shen Chongxu nodded with satisfaction.
"Go."
After sending Dongyun Pao off, he slowly returned to his sleeping quarters, then gradually took off the dark red wide robe he wore, undressed to reveal a muscular body.
Standing quietly before the bronze mirror, he observed himself for a moment, then a flash of light appeared in his hand, and he took out a set of azure-colored brocade.
After donning the brocade and tidying up his messy hair, he tried to produce a stiff smile, and his figure suddenly transformed into a faint blood mist, disappearing within the sleeping quarters.
...
That night, Yunshui City.
A figure crossed the rushing Laishui River, arriving outside the grand array at the south city gate of Yunshui City.
The array guardian cultivators on the city gate noticed someone approaching and immediately shouted sternly:
"Who dares to spy on the Shen Family!?"
The figure slowly lifted his head, looking at the city shrouded by the Ren Water Concealing Spirit Array and the several wary Shen Family cultivators on the city tower, standing silently for a long time.
"Which cultivator is this? The Shen Family doesn’t receive visitors at night; if it’s not urgent, please leave quickly!"
Seeing him not speak, the cultivator on the city tower shouted sternly again.
Outside the array, the figure slowly removed the black cloak he wore, revealing an azure brocade robe. It was Shen Chongxu.
Having been away from home for decades, the array guardian cultivators on the city tower didn’t recognize him at all.
Shen Chongxu took out a jade seal representing his identity and raised it.
The cultivator on the city tower focused their eyes and suddenly froze.
"Brother Xu, is that the... jade seal of the family’s direct lineage?"
The thin young cultivator frowned and asked.
The middle-aged cultivator next to him also stared intently at the seal in Shen Chongxu’s hand, then looked again at Shen Chongxu’s face, finding it somewhat unfamiliar.
"The seal seems correct, but the family’s direct lineage all have access to the method of activating the array and seldom come through the city gate."
"Moreover, this person is quite unfamiliar..."
The middle-aged cultivator’s expression was serious, and he spoke in a deep voice, "With all the forces stirring, it’s best for us to be cautious."
"You stay here and guard; I’ll find Lord Xu!"
With that, the middle-aged cultivator flew towards the city using wind manipulation.
In a moment, he landed in front of the small courtyard where Xu Zhan and Shen You resided.
"Lord Xu."
The middle-aged cultivator hurriedly knocked on the courtyard door.
After a few breaths, Xu Zhan opened the door, and behind him, Shen You stood not far away with a large belly.
The middle-aged cultivator respectfully cupped his hands, "Lord Xu, young lady."
"What has happened?"
As the son-in-law of the Shen Family and also the disciple of Shen Wenxing,
Xu Zhan is currently responsible for the city defense affairs of Yunshui City within the Shen Family.
