PNB Chapter 1840 Return to the clan
Chapter 1840 Return to the clan
Everyone was shocked.
"The Silent Extinction Zen Temple originated from the ancient Little Western Paradise, and its foundation is unfathomable. The Venerable One they speak of has a lofty status. The fact that a Nascent Soul stage ascetic can be so respectful to him means that his cultivation is at least at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage, or even... possibly one of the few old monsters in the Silent Extinction Zen Temple who has touched upon the Arhat or even higher realms."
"The fusion period is highly likely."
Fusion period!
This judgment made the atmosphere even more somber.
As a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Master Lingxu was already a pillar of stability in the Spirit Realm.
The Integration Stage is a realm of immense power, almost at the pinnacle of this world. Yue Wuyai had just broken through to the peak of the Integration Stage, and his aura, even from a great distance, chilled the hearts of cultivators in the Spirit Realm.
If the Silent Zen Temple really sends a Venerable One at the Integration Stage to preside over the Star Gate... the threat will far exceed that of Yueyao and Longyin Temple!
"However, there's no need to worry too much," Master Lingxu said, changing the subject.
“Great beings in the Integration Stage are involved in more causal relationships and are more constrained by the rules of heaven and earth. They usually do not easily descend to the lower realms in their true form, nor do they easily intervene directly in battles of this level, so as not to attract unnecessary heavenly tribulations or other changes.”
"It's more likely that the Venerable One is staying behind the scenes, acting through avatars, divine thoughts, or subordinates. We've thwarted his plans this time, which may anger him, but the possibility of him taking action personally in the short term is not high."
That being said, being targeted by a powerful cultivator at the Integration Stage is no easy task for anyone.
"Over at Longyin Temple..." Ye Yan frowned, "Judging from what those ascetics said, Yueyao is also urging them, and it seems she's in a hurry for the Star Gate's progress. The Silent Temple, on the other hand, is just stalling and procrastinating. The relationship between these two sides is very delicate."
“Mutual exploitation, mutual suspicion,” Mingchuan summarized. “Yueyao wants to use the technology and power of the Jimie Zen Temple to open or stabilize the Star Gate, while the Jimie Zen Temple wants to use the power and resources of the Longyin Temple in the Holy Domain. At the same time, it may also be plotting to obtain some secrets about the Star Gate or the Spirit Domain that the Longyin Temple possesses.”
"Their ultimate goals may be the same, but the struggle over the path and the dominance means they are destined not to truly cooperate."
“This might be an opportunity for us,” the Blue-Faced Fox murmured. “If we can cleverly exploit the conflict between them…”
“Not bad.” A glint of light flashed in Mingchuan’s eyes. “But the premise is that we must recover our strength as soon as possible and obtain more information about the Star Gate and about both sides. This time we rescued people and destroyed the stronghold, but we were also completely exposed. Next, they will likely take more drastic measures.”
“Let’s return to the sect first.” Master Lingxu stood up. “We will discuss this further. Zhao Hu, Elder Han, you all need to quickly compile the information we found during this reconnaissance, especially regarding the characteristics of the Ascetic’s techniques, the layout of their strongholds, and their connection with the Dragon Roar Temple, and report it to the four major sects.”
"The Spirit Realm must prepare in advance."
"Yes!" Zhao Hu, Han Tieshan, and the others replied solemnly.
After a short rest, the group set off again.
This time, it's even faster.
After passing through layers of concealment and protection, the group returned to the Observatory Platform.
"Sect Master! Supreme Elder! You're back!"
Jin Man, Shi Wenxiong, and core members such as Leng hope, Ran Qianqian, Dong Chuyan, A Xiong, and Ji Zhou, who rushed over upon hearing the news, were already anxiously waiting here.
Seeing Mingchuan's pale face and weak breathing, and seeing Zhao Hu and the others' battered and disheveled appearance, everyone felt a pang of anxiety.
"Mingchuan!" Leng hope and the other two girls immediately surrounded him, their faces filled with worry.
"I'm fine, I just used up a lot of energy." Mingchuan gave them a reassuring look, then looked at Jinman.
"Jinman, immediately arrange the best quiet room and medicines for Zhao Hu and Elder Han to heal their injuries. Inform the four major sects that we have returned and have important matters to discuss."
“It’s already arranged.” Jin Man was always efficient and had made all the preparations. “Ye Chuhan, Lin Ruowei, Chu Huai, and Mu Yaoyao have received the news and are on their way via the teleportation array. The four sect leaders are also keeping an eye on things.”
Soon, the wounded were properly cared for, and the Green-Faced Fox personally led the sect's pharmacists to take over the follow-up treatment.
Mingchuan, Lingxu Zhenren, Ye Yan, Chiyanhu, Jinman, Axiong, and other core members arrived at the Suspended Palace Council Hall.
Soon after, the four holy sons and daughters arrived via the emergency teleportation array, their faces showing solemnity and concern.
Without much small talk, Mingchuan had Zhao Hu and Han Tieshan, who were in slightly better condition, briefly recount the events of the reconnaissance mission in the desert, their capture, and Mingchuan and his team's rescue and destruction of the stronghold.
Master Lingxu and Mingchuan then added their assessments regarding the Silent Zen Temple, Vajra Subduing Demons, the Demon Spirit, the Venerable One, and the Star Gate Node.
As intelligence unfolded, the atmosphere in the council chamber grew increasingly tense.
"The Silent Zen Temple... Little Western Paradise... Star Gate Key and offerings..." Ye Chuhan gasped, "This is even bigger than what that crazy woman Yueyao is doing!"
"They actually extended their reach into the heart of the Spirit Realm and established a stronghold of such scale!" Lin Ruowei's eyes blazed with golden fire, filled with anger.
"Using cultivators and living beings as sacrifices to stabilize the star gate... Such an act is intolerable to Heaven!" Mu Yaoyao's voice was gentle, yet it carried an unusual chill.
Chu Huai said in a deep voice, "The most troublesome thing is the attitude of that Venerable and the Dragon Roar Temple. If they join forces or each exert their own strength, the Spirit Realm will face unprecedented pressure."
“The pressure has always been there.” Mingchuan’s voice rang out calmly, his expression still not good, but his eyes were unusually firm.
“From the moment we decided to resist the Holy Domain’s plunder and establish the Wanchuan Sect, we knew that this path would not be smooth. Before, it was Yueyao and Longyin Temple, and now there is the Silent Zen Temple. In essence, they are no different; they all regard the Spirit Domain as fat meat that can be slaughtered at will.”
He looked around at everyone, his tone resolute: "There's only one thing we can do: become stronger, unite, and then... chop off those outstretched claws, one by one!"
"Well said!" Ah Xiong slammed his fist on the table. "Who cares if he's some bald monk or a holy fairy? If he dares to come, we'll fucking beat him to a pulp!"
A cold smile appeared on Jin Man's alluring face: "The sect leader is right. Pressure can also be a driving force. Although we were on the defensive this time, we also learned a lot about the other side's strengths and weaknesses."
"The techniques of the Silent Zen Temple have weaknesses. They are not a united front with the Dragon Roar Temple, and the Star Gate node is not so easy to stabilize."
"We are not without a chance."
Master Lingxu nodded: "Several matters must be addressed immediately. First, do everything in our power to treat the wounded and restore our fighting strength. Second, strengthen the internal investigation of the Spirit Realm, especially the Western Regions and other possible hidden strongholds, to prevent the infiltration of the Silent Zen Temple. Third, through Master Huineng of the Great Brahma Temple, further investigate the Silent Zen Temple and that Venerable One's detailed information. Fourth, accelerate the training of the Hall of Talents and the integration of resources from the five major sects to enhance our overall strength."
“Also,” Mingchuan added, “closely monitor the movements of the Holy Domain, especially the reactions of Yueyao and Yue Wuyai at Longyin Temple, and… whether there are any more rumors or unusual phenomena about the Star Gate.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, and a series of countermeasures were quickly discussed and finalized.