Chapter 1358: Chapter 66: Mianxing and Flying Peak—A Familiar Encounter
On the first day of June, Zhongtai Sect gathered all elder disciples above Hua Dan, and the City Lords of various immortal cities, along with the Nascent Soul cultivators they recruited, totaling forty-two people, to embark from the Golden Bell Platform, heading toward Mianxing Mountain, the site of this battle.
Those who could cultivate to Nascent Soul were mostly dominant figures, and each traveled with their flying magic artifacts, accompanied by dozens or even hundreds of disciples. This vast multitude journeyed through the clouds, traversing the skies, displaying various magical abilities, creating a spectacular scene of rainbow light and brilliant colors, like clouds dyed by the sunset, surging southeastward like a tide.
The carriage that Sect Leader Qiao and his wife rode on was a Pu Lao Golden Canopy Three-shoulder Flying Car, as large as a palace room, accommodating a thousand people. In front, 186 Dragon Horses pulled it, their cries echoing and piercing the air. Around the large carriage were more than five hundred disciples with long boats guarding them, while the couple stood side by side under the Hua Gai, wearing splendid Dharma Robes.
Mrs. Zhao looked back at the mountain gate, her eyes filled with worry, and said, "Sect Leader, this time our sect is moving out entirely, leaving no one to guard the gate. I’m afraid that’s unwise."
Sect Leader Qiao comforted her, saying, "It’s alright, there is Master Zheng watching over the sect. There should be no external issues. The Dragon Pillar Meeting is of the utmost importance, and if we do not win, what use are these lands and rubble?"
After pausing for a moment, he slowed his speech and said, "Are you worried about Cheng’er? I have already instructed Lady Wan that if the two of us do not return, she should take Cheng’er and the Daoist Books to flee to another continent, never to return. In this lifetime, there is no hope of cultivation; just seek a long life."
Cheng’er is their son, only five years old and not yet of cultivation age. Apart from a few trusted individuals in the sect, even Elder Yan, Du Shixun, and others do not know about the child.
Mrs. Zhao, hearing Sect Leader Qiao’s uncertain tone, as if he were giving final instructions, couldn’t help but frown. She forced a smile and pretended to be relaxed, saying, "Husband, you’ve gathered so many people this time, with far more strength than previous battles. How could we lose?"
Sect Leader Qiao sighed, "Though we have many people, our minds are not united. What can we do about it?"
Speaking, he looked towards the horizon and said, "In the previous two battles, Zhongtai was defeated. As the Sect Leader of Zhongtai, I cannot escape responsibility. If we lose this time, how can I face myself in this position? This battle is one of victory or death."
Mrs. Zhao sighed slightly, snuggled up, holding his hand, and softly said, "Husband, do not worry. If we discuss abilities, Xun’er does not lose to that Rong Junzhong. All things considered, I see our Zhongtai with a greater chance of winning."
Sect Leader Qiao silently nodded, gripping Mrs. Zhao’s delicate hand tightly before releasing it.
The two stayed quietly on the boat for a while. Mrs. Zhao looked up and said, "Husband, in recent days, I have been cultivating the secret technique and feel a bit tired. I will go rest first."
Sect Leader Qiao has been in seclusion preparing for the Dragon Pillar Battle, not resting in Mrs. Zhao’s room. Hearing that she has been diligently practicing a divine skill, he warmly replied, "Do not work too hard, my dear."
Mrs. Zhao smiled charmingly, offering a gracious bow, and excused herself.
Returning inside the car, she glanced behind, and seeing no one followed, descended the steps. Soon, she arrived at the front of an alchemy room.
Dismissing the lamp holding maid in front, she checked around, quickly lifted the curtain, and went inside, sealing the door with a forbidden technique.
After composing herself, she flicked her water sleeves, and a Bright Pearl flew out, circling the room. Then a mist emerged, revealing a graceful and elegant figure.
As the mist cleared, a girl with bright eyes and radiant skin was revealed, her beauty surpassing even Mrs. Zhao, who paled in comparison.
Especially the girl’s bright, shining eyes that were clear and pure, exuding innocence and kindness, making people immediately feel drawn to her.
Mrs. Zhao, seeing the girl’s appearance, was slightly dazed momentarily, then tentatively asked, "Are you Miss Luo?"
The girl bowed gracefully, speaking in a sweet voice, "Indeed, it is I."
Mrs. Zhao took a deep breath. Although this girl only had Hua Dan cultivation, her status was extraordinary, and she dared not underestimate her, speaking warmly, "Miss Luo, I wish to ask, if I promise your conditions, can you truly help our Zhongtai through this crisis?"
The young girl replied, "Mrs. Zhao, I am just the messenger. I do not know what you said to those elder nephews. I can only say that if what was agreed upon before stands, my group will not go back on it."
Mrs. Zhao looked at her, seeing her earnest expression that did not seem to be feigned, she nodded and then pondered for a while in the same place.
