The five of them stood on the hilltop, gazing at the distant peak ablaze with fire.
That was the main peak of Heavenly Fire Mountain, the location of the Danding Sect.
Now, the fire still burned fiercely, but its color had dimmed considerably. With their Foundation Establishment level spiritual sense, they couldn’t see what was happening there, but they could see demon beasts streaking across the sky not far away.
For the past two days, the sound transmission talismans sent by Han Qingyu and the Yu Family Head had received no response. They had long been prepared for this.
The demon beasts’ attack on the Danding Sect had already begun.
Those standing here—Mo Tiange, Han Qingyu, Luo Fengxue, and the Yu Family Head and his wife—remained silent. This matter had already exceeded their capabilities; aside from waiting, there was nothing else they could do.
In truth, they all understood why the demon beasts were so fixated on the Danding Sect. The Danding Sect was the foremost alchemy sect of Kunwu Mountain, and pills were precisely what demon beasts lacked most. Every time they emerged from the southern forest to attack the sects on Kunwu Mountain, it was to seize pills. Given the opportunity, naturally they would focus their attack on the Danding Sect.
However, the Danding Sect was no pushover either. Though it was only slightly larger than a medium-sized cultivation sect, it still had three Nascent Soul Patriarchs. Combined with their mountain-protecting grand formation, magical treasures, and other assets, it would take considerable effort for the demon beasts to capture the Danding Sect.
Now, these people felt both relief and worry. Relief, because these demon beasts seemed to completely ignore them, with no intention of attacking; worry, because if the Danding Sect fell, what of their relatives and friends inside…
Heavy with concerns, none of the five spoke.
Wei Jiasi had not yet recovered, and the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Yu Family were responsible for patrols. They were merely Foundation Establishment cultivators; in a sect war of this scale, they were essentially powerless.
After an unknown length of time, Han Qingyu finally spoke: “Let’s go back.”
Mo Tiange and Luo Fengxue exchanged a glance and nodded.
Han Qingyu then turned and said, “Family Head Yu, my fellow disciples and I will return first. If there are any developments, please inform us.”
The Yu Family Head’s expression was heavy, and he distractedly cupped his hands in a bow.
Han Qingyu shook her head with a sigh and led Mo Tiange and Luo Fengxue down the mountain.
The Yu Family was a clan that relied on the Danding Sect, and even had cultivators within the sect. Presumably, the Yu Family Head was far more troubled than they were. If the Danding Sect fell in this demon beast assault, the Yu Family would certainly not fare well. Even if they weren’t devoured by the demon beasts, without a patron in the future, they would inevitably be bullied again. And unfortunately, the Yu Family’s current Foundation Establishment cultivators were all quite old…
Thinking of this, Han Qingyu could only shake her head. Every sect or family had its difficulties. Even for themselves, simply preserving their lives was already quite good.
Returning to their quarters, Mo Tiange once again entered the Void Heaven Realm to meditate and cultivate.
With the war right before their eyes, she had no mind to study alchemy. The little Fire Beast she had captured to provide True Yang Fire was left to roam freely in the Void Heaven Realm, while she herself cultivated the Spirit Refining Art.
Five Spirits Cultivating the Body, Ten Thousand Demons Cannot Invade. Now, when she cultivated the Spirit Refining Art, she had no reservations at all. Therefore, these past few days, she had poured almost all her energy into it and had roughly condensed her spiritual sense into a tangible entity.
This was her hidden trump card. Even Uncle-Master Xuanyin, who had given her the technique, probably never imagined she would cultivate a tangible spiritual sense entity this quickly. It must be known that others who cultivated this art did so with trepidation, utterly unable to proceed as she did. Moreover, after undergoing the Five Spirits Cultivating the Body process, her Primordial Spirit was no longer so fragile, allowing her cultivation of the Spirit Refining Art to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Her current realm was probably comparable to what an ordinary person would achieve only after decades of cultivation.
In cultivator combat, magical tools, treasures, and talismans all generally had weaknesses, and everyone was wary of each other. The reason Mo Tiange regarded the Spirit Refining Art as her trump card was precisely because, being merely at the Foundation Establishment stage, it was unlikely anyone would expect she could already wield her spiritual sense to injure others.
In the following days, aside from cultivation, they went out to gather news about the Danding Sect war.
Their decision not to intervene had indeed been correct. Since the Danding Sect had Nascent Soul cultivators, naturally only demon beasts of the eighth rank or above would dare to move against it. They heard that the demon beast side had three eighth-rank demon beasts and one ninth-rank demon beast, while the Danding Sect had only three Nascent Soul cultivators in total, all at the early Nascent Soul stage. Their strength was incomparable, and the current battle was extremely fierce.
The branch mountain valley where the Yu Family was located was too close to the Danding Sect—a day’s journey for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but only a few moments for Core Formation or Nascent Soul cultivators. As a result, battles frequently spilled over into this area. Fortunately, the Four Symbols Formation Mo Tiange had modified was quite powerful. Now, all the Yu Family cultivators remained within the Four Symbols Formation with the formation fully activated. Only then could they ensure temporary safety.
However, safety was ultimately only temporary. If the Danding Sect fell now, the Yu Family would certainly be affected, and they too would be dragged into it. All they could do now was try their best to preserve their strength. Besides, they were not Danding Sect disciples after all. With Perfected One Xuanyin present here, the Xuanqing Sect would not abandon them.
Observing the situation, cultivating, waiting for an opportunity—one month later, the war reached a stalemate. More and more demon beasts appeared near the Yu Family, and they could no longer remain aloof.
“Fellow Daoists, please, have a seat.”
Late that night, while Mo Tiange was still cultivating, a steward from the Yu Family came to deliver a message, summoning all four fellow disciples. The four of them were puzzled; could there be some important matter?
In the main hall, Moonlight Stones emitted a soft glow, illuminating the room as bright as day. All four of the Yu Family’s Foundation Establishment cultivators were present. As soon as the Yu Family Head saw them, he revealed a smile and courteously invited them to sit.
For matters of this sort, their group always had Han Qingyu take the lead. After Mo Tiange exchanged greetings with the Yu Family members, she silently took a seat in the guest area.
“Family Head Yu, may I ask what urgent matter requires summoning my fellow disciples in the middle of the night?” After some pleasantries, Han Qingyu asked directly.
The Yu Family Head’s face showed hesitation, as if he found it difficult to speak. He looked at Han Qingyu with a troubled expression.
Han Qingyu then smiled and said, “Though we are not from the same sect, given the current circumstances, we are all in the same boat. Is there anything Family Head Yu finds hard to say?”
Hearing Han Qingyu’s words, a look of resolve appeared on the Yu Family Head’s face. He nodded and began, “Fellow Daoist Han speaks reason. Therefore, regarding this matter, we still believe it best to make things clear to you fellow Daoists.” He paused briefly before continuing, “Fellow Daoist Han should know that my Yu Family is merely a small clan relying on the Danding Sect. We have no Core Formation cultivators, nor any significant influence. Currently, within the Danding Sect, there are only two juniors with hopes of Core Formation—nothing particularly covetable for demon beasts. I believe your master sent you to our Yu Family with the intention of looking after you. From this perspective, you fellow Daoists must have bright futures within the Xuanqing Sect.”
As he spoke, besides looking at Han Qingyu, he also glanced at Mo Tiange. Though this Yu Family Head’s cultivation was not outstanding, he was very experienced. Han Qingyu was already at late Foundation Establishment; as an elite disciple, she would certainly have a chance at Core Formation someday. Though success wasn’t guaranteed, it was still incomparable to ordinary disciples like them. And according to Han Qingyu, Mo Tiange was extremely young yet already at mid Foundation Establishment cultivation, indicating a future of limitless potential.
“The current development of the situation must also be beyond your expectations. Though my Yu Family is still relatively safe for now, our situation is precarious. Outside the formation now, more and more battles occur, and Danding Sect cultivators occasionally seek aid. My Yu Family cannot simply ignore them… Fellow Daoists, my Yu Family joining the battle is now only a matter of time. Today, from a wounded Danding Sect cultivator, I learned that… one of our two Yu Family juniors within the Danding Sect has already perished…”
At this point, a ripple finally appeared in the Yu Family Head’s calm, unperturbed expression. The Yu Family had only two cultivators with hopes of Core Formation. Now, with one perishing in the great battle, it was an enormous loss for the Yu Family. Moreover, that person was likely a junior of this Yu Family Head.
The Yu Family Head continued, “Given the current situation, I will speak frankly with you fellow Daoists.” Composing himself, a look of determination flashed across the Yu Family Head’s face as he spoke word by word, “Since we cannot avoid this calamity, my Yu Family will join the battle!”
Mo Tiange and the other three looked up, exchanging glances, but none said anything. In truth, they were not surprised; the Yu Family being dragged into the demon beast war was inevitable. However, the Yu Family Head’s resolute attitude did surprise them somewhat.
Mo Tiange glanced around. Hearing these words, the Yu Family Head’s wife quietly took his hand, as if to comfort him. The other two Yu Family Foundation Establishment cultivators also gazed calmly at the Family Head, clearly in agreement.
Han Qingyu remained silent for a moment before looking up with a smile. “We admire your resolve.”
The Yu Family Head smiled in return and said earnestly, “It’s just that, by doing so, we waste the thoughtful intentions of your master and elders. Fellow Daoists came to my Yu Family originally to help us protect our clansmen. Now, we are about to drag you into the fray. I feel ashamed of such a matter, which is why I am being completely honest. For the sake of your own safety, fellow Daoists are free to leave. We will certainly not stop you.”
This Yu Family Head’s expression was sincere and did not seem false. However, this matter was of great importance. Han Qingyu did not make a decision directly but pondered for a while before saying, “Family Head Yu, if that is the case, could you allow us fellow disciples to discuss it for a while?”
“Naturally.” The Yu Family Head revealed a smile. “My Yu Family joining the battle is, after all, a matter for tomorrow. You are certainly welcome to return and discuss it carefully. If you reach a decision, informing us tomorrow will not be too late.”
“Thank you very much.” Han Qingyu stood up and performed a bow.
The Yu Family Head hurriedly returned the bow. “You are too kind.”
Mo Tiange could tell that this Yu Family Head naturally hoped they would stay. After all, their strength far exceeded that of the Yu Family’s Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, given the unpredictable current situation, with Core Formation and even Nascent Soul cultivators participating in the battle, this was not secure either. Moreover, they were Xuanqing Sect disciples and not to be offended.
The four fellow disciples returned to the small courtyard where they resided and gathered in Han Qingyu’s room.
For a moment, none of the four spoke. Even Luo Fengxue, who usually talked the most, looked deeply preoccupied.
After an unknown length of time, Han Qingyu looked up and swept her gaze over them. “Alright, what do you all have to say? This matter is significant, so I won’t make a decision solely in my capacity as head senior sister. If you have thoughts, speak frankly.”
“Head Senior Sister…” Luo Fengxue hesitated.
Having known her for several years, Mo Tiange could roughly guess what she wanted to say from her struggling expression.
Han Qingyu said, “There are only us fellow disciples here. What is there that cannot be said?”
“Um…” Luo Fengxue glanced at Wei Jiasi and Mo Tiange. “Head Senior Sister, we are not Danding Sect disciples, and the situation is critical now. Presumably, if we leave on our own, they certainly won’t blame us.”
Han Qingyu nodded. “You’re right. Among us cultivators, we don’t value chivalry and loyalty like worldly knights. Since this is beyond our capabilities, we can naturally leave.”
Receiving Han Qingyu’s affirmation, Luo Fengxue felt reassured and looked at her expectantly. “Then we…”
Han Qingyu, however, shook her head. “My thoughts are not quite like that. Think about it: now, the flames of war are everywhere. Even if we leave this place, how do we return to the Xuanqing Sect?”
Luo Fengxue was taken aback. She was not skilled in combat and naturally hoped to escape the war situation as soon as possible. Yet Han Qingyu’s words were indeed true.
“When we left the Xuanqing Sect, we were all sent off by our masters and uncles using flying treasures. If we return to the Xuanqing Sect on our own, it would likely take one or two months. Battles are raging everywhere along the way. How can we ensure our own safety?”
Faced with this question, Luo Fengxue couldn’t answer either. “Head Senior Sister… are you in favor of staying?”
Han Qingyu slowly shook her head. “No, I can’t find a solution for now and haven’t made up my mind.”
Luo Fengxue then fell silent as well.
Han Qingyu looked at Wei Jiasi. “Second Junior Sister, what do you think?”
Wei Jiasi’s cultivation had recovered these past few days, though her complexion remained pale. Hearing Han Qingyu’s question, she seemed momentarily lost in thought.
Han Qingyu called again, “Second Junior Sister?”
The gazes of all three converged on Wei Jiasi. Only then did she suddenly realize and merely said, “Let Head Senior Sister decide.”
Seeing her like this, Han Qingyu secretly sighed and finally turned to Mo Tiange. “What about you, Tiange?”
Mo Tiange pondered for a long time before speaking. “Senior Sister Han, I think we should stay for now and observe the situation.”
“Stay?” Han Qingyu and Luo Fengxue exchanged a glance, both focusing their attention on her.
Mo Tiange nodded. “That’s right. Senior Sisters, let me put it this way: regarding the Yu Family’s current Four Symbols Formation, I am quite confident. Unless several Core Formation or higher cultivators attack, it’s possible to breach it. Moreover, with Senior Sister Han here directing operations, Senior Sister Luo being familiar with personnel management, and me presiding over the formation, the likelihood of holding out is quite high.”
Swiftly sweeping her gaze over the others, Mo Tiange continued, “Of course, there is also risk. If this place attracts the attention of high-rank demon beasts and they focus their attack here, we might very well be unable to escape.”
Han Qingyu and Luo Fengxue sank into contemplation. Compared to what Mo Tiange had said earlier, the risk wasn’t particularly great. They also had no better ideas—it was merely a choice between staying and leaving. Yet, wanting to preserve their lives amidst the chaotic flames of war was not easy either…
Han Qingyu was the first to decide. After only a moment’s thought, a resolute look appeared on her face. “Tiange, since you have such confidence, how about we stay?”
“Head Senior Sister!” Luo Fengxue cried out.
Han Qingyu turned to her with a slight smile. “I’ve thought it over. If we want to preserve our lives, it would be better to rely on the Yu Family’s capabilities. Of course, their strength isn’t particularly great—the four of us could even wipe out the Yu Family if we wanted—but families have been rooted in place for a long time and have much that can be utilized. Whether borrowing people or borrowing land, it’s much safer than being out on our own.”
“But…” Luo Fengxue’s mind was in turmoil. She had not been at Foundation Establishment for long and had grown up in a prestigious major sect, with no interest in combat. Now, caught up in the chaos of war, she was the most disoriented one.
“Don’t be afraid, Fengxue,” Han Qingyu gently reassured her. “You’ve never experienced war, so it’s natural to feel unaccustomed at first. Your Second Senior Sister and I went through the demon beast turmoil sixty years ago. It was the same at the beginning; after seeing more, you slowly get used to it. Have some confidence in yourself. You are a disciple of a prestigious sect and have the magical tools and treasures bestowed by your master—you are far stronger than others. What is there to fear?”
After this comfort, Luo Fengxue indeed calmed down somewhat.
Seeing her like this and receiving a meaningful look from Han Qingyu, Mo Tiange walked over and took her hand, smiling. “Senior Sister Luo, you are the senior sister. Don’t let me surpass you.”
Hearing this, Luo Fengxue revealed a bitter smile and said frankly, “Tiange, to be honest, before… I didn’t think you were particularly capable. After this incident, I realize I was a frog at the bottom of a well, underestimating others too much. A few days ago, it was you who reminded me not to be too anxious. These past few days, you’ve handled matters much more calmly than I have. I…”
“Senior Sister Luo!” Seeing her becoming more and more self-deprecating, Mo Tiange cut her off. “Given the current situation, we should both pull ourselves together.”
“Tiange is right.” Han Qingyu was very perceptive. Seeing Mo Tiange’s somber expression, she knew she might have been reminded of some unpleasant matter and immediately steered the conversation away. “Besides, I have another reason for wanting to stay here.”
“What is it?”
Han Qingyu took out a jade slip. “Before we departed, Master instructed me that if an accident occurred, I should protect you all and rendezvous with him.”
Even Wei Jiasi, who had seemed detached, was stunned at this. They all knew Han Qingyu had a steady temperament, handled matters reliably, and as head senior sister, served their master diligently and took good care of her fellow disciples, which was why their master always trusted her. In comparison, Wei Jiasi had never felt resentful, because she always believed that Head Senior Sister was skilled at handling miscellaneous affairs unrelated to cultivation, so it was perfectly normal for their master to assign such tasks to her. But now, seeing Han Qingyu produce their master’s secret order, Wei Jiasi felt a twinge of discomfort—so their master didn’t merely trust Head Senior Sister; he had now entrusted her with such an important task. Regarding such a matter, she, a direct disciple who had also followed their master for so long, hadn’t been given the slightest hint beforehand.
Unaware of or disregarding her minor grievance, Han Qingyu handed the jade slip to Wei Jiasi, who then passed it on one by one. After all three had read it, Han Qingyu spoke: “Master anticipated this journey wouldn’t go smoothly, so he gave me these instructions to handle as I saw fit. Now, I think Tiange’s words make a lot of sense. Since that’s the case, why not follow Master’s instructions?”
Mo Tiange and the other two remained silent. The instructions Perfected One Xuanyin left were simple: they were to find a place outside the Danding Sect and wait for an opportunity. If danger arose, they were to rendezvous with other disciples there to preserve their strength.
The meaning within these words clearly indicated he had long sensed this journey wouldn’t be simple, which was why he sent them out to avoid being dragged into the war together. First, it showed consideration for female disciples; second, it showed confidence in their ability to handle matters.
“Senior Sister Han,” Mo Tiange said slowly after a long while, “since that’s the case, let’s follow Uncle-Master Xuanyin’s instructions. I think the Yu Family’s decision is actually opportune. We might as well temporarily borrow the Yu Family’s land and rely on each other for survival. If things turn bad, we are all Foundation Establishment cultivators; escaping will be easy.”
“Mm, what Tiange said is precisely my meaning. Second Junior Sister, Fengxue, what are your opinions?”