Chapter 1337: Chapter 55: The Great Array Seals the Gate, Defining Its Bounds
For over ten years, he’s been traveling abroad, only now returning to the island, allowing him some leisure to enjoy the mountain’s beautiful scenery.
A few months ago, despite an assault by tidal whirlpools, the Python Clan was prepared, especially with Luo Mengze stepping in to suppress them. The palace built over the century on the island not only suffered little damage but was further enhanced compared to his last departure.
An hour later, as he was about to return to the pavilion, he suddenly noticed a streak of light rising from the building opposite and heading in his direction. Moments later, a voluptuous woman with a slender waist landed, saluting with respect, "Seventeenth Master, the Clan Leader requests a meeting with you."
The Green-clothed Cultivator had long awaited Luo Jiangyu’s summon, hence he simply responded, "Lead the way."
The two set off in tunneling light towards the palaces, soon arriving at the Main Hall. The woman stepped aside, gesturing for the cultivator to proceed inside.
Adjusting his attire slightly, he entered the hall, seeing Clan Leader Luo Jiangyu seated in the main position. Apart from his cousin Luo Dongchuan, there were a few white-haired clan elders sitting with eyes closed, meditating.
Though Luo Jiangyu was the Clan Leader, he behaved modestly before his kin. He first greeted him to sit and then remarked, "After receiving the report from Seventeenth Brother a few days ago, I felt the matter significant and could not decide alone, so I invited a few uncles and elders to gather insights."
At this point, an elder slowly stood up, saying, "We are all old now, managing clan matters is still possible, but external affairs should be decided by the Clan Leader."
Luo Jiangyu smiled, "Fifth Uncle is too humble. Ever since taking this position, I handle matters anxiously each day, fearful of making mistakes, needing guidance from elders."
The elder chuckled, bowed, and sat down again.
Luo Jiangyu looked at the Green-clothed Cultivator and asked, "Seventeenth Brother, is it truly as your letter stated, that it was Mingcang Zhang Yan?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator replied, "Previously, I learned of this from Han Wangke. Later, fearing errors, I even sent someone to verify. Indeed, it’s him without a doubt."
Luo Jiangyu frowned, "Our clan plans to acquire Divine House Mountain, but his presence is obstructive."
Luo Dongchuan loudly declared, "Only Zhang Yan came alone, not the Mingcang Sect. Why should Old Brother fear him?"
Luo Jiangyu shook his head, "It’s not that simple. He holds peculiar status; we mustn’t act rashly."
In East Victory Continent, all forces have connections with the Five Major Sects. A hundred years ago, the Python Clan conquered Beimo Sea Realm, seeing Divine House Mountain as barren land in the Northern region, with Zhongtai and Xuanyue considering it worthless. Moreover, the two sects are constantly fighting over Dragon Pillar. If the Python Clan can manage it, they’d gain a foothold in East Victory Continent, making it difficult for the Five Major Sects to eject them.
Yet Zhang Yan has already claimed Divine House. If it were anyone else, there are ways to deal, like supporting Shao Zhongxiang as an example. But he’s not only one of the Mingcang Sect’s Top Ten Disciples but also exceptionally rare in First-class Elixir Formation. If endangered, the Mingcang Sect won’t ignore it, hindering the Python Clan’s actions.
Luo Jiangyu pondered briefly without devising a plan, then asked, "Seventeenth Brother, your thoughts?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator had a plan in mind, calmly responding, "Old Brother, since he’s from Mingcang Sect, we best avoid conflict. Even if victorious, could we kill him? This might invite worse trouble."
Luo Jiangyu nodded heavily.
Luo Dongchuan displeased, "Are we to ignore him then?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator chuckled, "Old Brother misunderstood. It’s not that we can’t face him directly, but we have options to deal with him indirectly."
He glanced at the seated elders, "Matters of the Mingcang Sect can be left for Mingcang Sect members to handle."
Luo Jiangyu startled, "Seventeenth Brother suggests inviting that person for assistance?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator nodded.
Previously, an elder spoke, "Merely a Mingcang disciple, that person might not lower himself to assist. How will you persuade him?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator bowed, "If it were others, perhaps not. But Zhang Yan broke the Four Symbols God-Slaying Formation with the Beiming Sword years ago, holding a significant grudge against this person. If the news reaches him, I doubt he’d remain indifferent."
The elder nodded slightly, staying silent.
Luo Jiangyu contemplated for a moment, finally deciding, "Seventeenth Brother makes sense. It’s worth a try. I’ll prepare a letter to send to Central Pillar Continent."
The Green-clothed Cultivator quickly said, "Old Brother, a mere letter might not be enough to motivate him. To show sincerity, I volunteer to journey to Central Pillar personally."
Luo Jiangyu hesitated but then agreed, "Alright, Seventeenth Brother is always shrewd, you going reassures me."
The Green-clothed Cultivator added, "Moreover, since Ninth Brother was captured, there are no more members of the Luo Family under that person’s sect. Though our families have sworn alliance, in the long run, it’s unsafe. My suggestion is to select several descendants for his sect."
Luo Dongchuan angrily declared, "Our Python Clan allied with him when he had potential to seize the Mingcang Sect Leader position. Now, Qin Mobai firmly holds it, we’ve carved another realm, why bother appeasing him? Eleventh Brother joined his sect only to be eventually captured by Mingcang."
Luo Jiangyu ignored him, asking, "Seventeenth Brother, who do you have in mind?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator said, "Brothers Luo Xun and Luo Yi are quite clever and can accompany me."
At that moment, Luo Jiangyu decided, "Then take them with you," and asked, "How long will it take?"
The Green-clothed Cultivator considered, "Round trip will take at least four to five years, though it might drag longer."
Luo Jiangyu nodded, "If unsuccessful, send me word early so I can plan differently."
...
... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
