Cultivation: Fortune by Lots

Chapter 855: Chapter 331.2

Only, such a Mahayana enlightened Celestial Master of the Taoist Sect, at this moment, exudes an aura of deathly stillness and coldness without any concealment.

He seems like the incarnation of the Netherworld itself.

Since the Netherworld’s upheaval and the first battle between the Inner Mount Shu Sect and the Great Tang Mount Shu Sect, some time has passed, and many messages have spread among the people of Great Tang.

Zonghan, looking at the head of Inner Mount Shu Sect, wondered whether the foundation of their sect, the Five Declines Great Path Bell, returned to the Mortal Realm with them.

Ji Yao, the current head of Inner Mount Shu, with hands behind his back, gazed around as he observed the Mortal Realm of Great Tang for the first time.

Behind him, from the Netherworld Gate, other people gradually emerged.

The first person, strong in presence, was second only to Sect Leader Ji Yao.

This person appeared to be around the age of forty, but his gaze was extremely somber, evoking a chilling feeling in those who saw him.

Another cultivator from the Taoist Artifact Refining Sect, of the Ninth Heavenly Layer realm, although not equal to the Mount Shu Sect Leader, was not an easy figure to deal with... Zonghan thought to himself.

The Netherworld is a desolate and deadly place, filled with calamities.

For cultivators, it poses great danger, yet offers numerous opportunities.

It’s apparent that the population there must be sparse.

Inner Mount Shu could gather so many experts based not only on their adaptation and improvement of Taoist Laws, but also rumored connections with displaced people from other realms... Zonghan pondered.

These Taoists have indeed amassed great fortunes!

As Zonghan watched Li Yuanyuan and other Inner Mount Shu experts emerge from within, his thoughts felt subtly nuanced.

If given a choice, he would prefer to obtain the much-reputed Luo Yuan related to the Witchcraft Sect.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have such fortune.

As an alternative, he hoped the Netherworld offered more opportunities than dangers.

An Zhiyu bowed to the elderly middle-aged man behind Sect Leader Ji Yao: "Master Kang An."

Inner Mount Shu Elder, Taoist Kang An, first nodded, and then glanced around the surrounding mountains: "Such a remote area, sparsely populated indeed!"

An Zhiyu: "To securely open the Yellow Springs Spring Eye, we must be cautious."

Taoist Kang An gently nodded, then turned his gaze to Sect Leader Ji Yao.

Ji Yao’s gaze shifted northward: "No matter, we shall first visit the Mount Shu here, retrieve the Purple Azure Twin Swords, and I’ve heard that, despite frequent earthquakes, the Sichuan basin is densely populated?"

Beside him, Zonghan’s walking corpse responded: "That is indeed the case."

Ji Yao nodded: "Then let us set off. An, accompany this Taoist friend Zonghan, on an expedition to the Netherworld."

An Zhiyu: "Yes, Sect Leader Master."

Zonghan: "Thank you, Taoist."

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The Imperial Capital of the Great Tang Dynasty, Luoyang City.

Within the Imperial Palace, the Empress sat high upon her throne.

Before her, two individuals were granted seats.

One, a robust man, although not armored, wore normal court attire, his aura stern and fierce.

The other, a woman, adorned in palace attire, exuding elegance and grace.

The former is the clan leader of Shangguan Clan, Grand General of the Divine Strategy Army, Shangguan Yunbo.

The latter is a member of the Royal Family, Empress Zhang Wantong, and the aunt of former Emperor Zhang Qilong, Princess Shanyang Zhang Ying.

As the three conversed, an urgent report suddenly arrived.

The Empress read it, her expression unwavering, before passing the message to Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Ying for them to read as well.

After reading, they both showed a sharp gaze: "Sudden change in the southwest, the Netherworld reappears?"

Shangguan Yunbo looked up: "Your Majesty, although the preliminary reports are not yet clear, Inner Mount Shu’s return this time must be confident in seeking retribution for the previous battle, possibly bringing masters from the Ninth Heavenly Layer Taoist Artifact Refining Sect to the Mortal Realm."

Princess Zhang Ying: "Fortunately, we have prepared in advance, though it is unexpected for events to coincide so timely, all piling together..."

Empress: "Regarding Mount Shu, let the Fang family in Jingxiang and Master Renzhu of the Sumi Vajra Division go support, with Xue Ting coordinating from the center.

The Yue family of Pure Yang Palace and the Lin family of the Nanzong Lin Clan should go as well to hinder Inner Mount Shu’s evil disruptions elsewhere."’

Both Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Ying replied: "We obey Your Majesty’s decree."

Whatever the Sumi Vajra Division seeks, first let them show some sincerity.

"As for the Celestial Master Mansion, the location is yet undetermined, only known to be overseas, removing the so-called Human Path Country’s demon practitioners must not be delayed, especially as it might involve other worldly demon practitioners, causing extensive harm."

The Empress turned to Shangguan Yunbo: "This task will be handled by the Shangguan family, cooperating with the Celestial Master Mansion, ensure the demon practitioners do not escape."

Shangguan Yunbo first accepted the order: "I shall comply."

Then, he gently asked: "Your Majesty, concerning the Luo Yuan portal?"

The original plan was for Shangguan Yunbo to seal the Luo Yuan portal over the northern sea.

Master Jiasheng of the Sumi Vajra Division, already there, was to assist him.

However, the latest signs indicate unusual movements within the Luo Yuan portal.

Originally, manpower was to be increased there, but instead, it’s now being withdrawn, leaving only Master Jiasheng, temporarily insufficient to seal the Void Gateway.

"Order Qingzhou, request the National Father to make the trip." frёeωebɳovel.com

The Empress calmly stated: "Uncle Prince Zhao has greatly advanced his cultivation, entrust him to relieve the nation, the elder of the Cangzhou Ye Clan remains in the north, the north is secure."

Shangguan Yunbo gently nodded.

Prince Zhao Zhang Teng has been too quiet for too long.

It is good to stir him into action.

The Qingzhou Ye Clan, innately supporting Crown Prince Zhang Hui, is not aligned with Prince Zhao Zhang Teng.

Having Ye Yan emerge to cooperate with Prince Zhao, instead of Ye Moquan of the Cangzhou Ye Clan, is undoubtedly better.

The only suspense remains whether Zhang Teng is willing to accept commands to venture out to sea?

He will... Shangguan Yunbo thought silently to himself.

If the other side truly has aspirations, mere preservation and accumulation of strength is only part of the strategy.

Reputation and public favor are equally necessary.

For others, those might appear insubstantial.