Chapter 873
Plan
Arriving at Xuan Tian Zhenren's bamboo hut, Zheng Yi knocked on the door.
"Come in," came the voice of Master Xuantian from inside.
Zheng Yi pushed open the door and went inside.
Master Xuantian was practicing his swordsmanship, his swordsmanship flowing smoothly and gracefully. Seeing Zheng Yi enter, he sheathed his sword and nodded to Zheng Yi.
"Mr. Dark Night, what brings you here so early?"
"Sect Leader, I have some good news to tell you," Zheng Yi said.
"What good news?"
“When I was cultivating just now, I condensed a Heavenly Gang Golden Core,” Zheng Yi said.
"What?!" Master Xuantian abruptly stood up, his face showing shock. "What did you say? Heavenly Gang Golden Elixir?"
“Yes, it’s a Heavenly Gang Golden Elixir.” Zheng Yi nodded. “Please take a look, Sect Leader.”
He activated the Heavenly Gang Technique, releasing the aura of the Heavenly Gang Golden Elixir in his dantian.
A powerful aura erupted from him, forming a faint golden halo in the air. That aura was as vast as the sea, causing even True Immortal Xuantian to feel a sense of pressure.
"It truly is the Heavenly Gang Golden Core!" Master Xuantian exclaimed excitedly. "I've cultivated the Heavenly Gang Technique for decades, yet I've been unable to condense a Heavenly Gang Golden Core. I never imagined you would actually achieve it!"
"This is all thanks to those ancient texts," Zheng Yi said. "I was able to condense the Heavenly Golden Core by cultivating according to the methods recorded in those texts."
"It seems the cultivation techniques in those ancient books are indeed the key to breakthroughs," said Master Xuantian. "Mr. An Ye, have you compiled all those techniques yet?"
"It's done." Zheng Yi took out a stack of papers from his robes and handed them to Master Xuantian. "These are the results of my research over the past few days. Please take a look, Sect Leader."
Master Xuantian took the stack of papers and carefully read through them.
The more he looked, the more surprised and excited he became.
"Excellent!" he exclaimed excitedly. "Mr. Dark Night, you've deciphered all the cultivation techniques in those ancient texts! These things are priceless treasures to our sect!"
"This is the legacy left behind by Ancestor Xuantian, and it rightfully belongs to the Xuantian Sect," Zheng Yi said. "I merely organized it."
“No, this is more than just organizing,” Master Xuantian shook his head. “You’ve transformed those obscure and difficult ancient texts into easily understandable language, and added your own interpretations and annotations. These things are more valuable than the ancient books themselves.”
"You flatter me, Sect Leader," Zheng Yi said.
“Mr. Dark Night, I don’t know how to thank you enough,” said True Man Xuantian. “Whatever reward you desire, just say the word.”
“I don’t need any reward,” Zheng Yi said. “Being able to study those ancient books is already the greatest reward for me.”
"You're too kind," said Master Xuantian. "How about this: if you ever need any help from the Xuantian Sect in the future, just let us know. The Xuantian Sect will definitely provide full support."
"Thank you, Sect Leader." Zheng Yi bowed and expressed his gratitude.
The two chatted for a while longer, discussing the cultivation methods and insights of the Heavenly Gang Technique.
Around noon, Zheng Yi got up to say goodbye.
"Sect Leader, I've been at the Xuantian Sect for over ten days now; it's time to return," he said. "There are still many matters to attend to in Hongyun City."
"Leaving so soon?" Master Xuantian seemed reluctant. "Stay a few more days."
"No, this junior does indeed have matters to attend to back at the border," Zheng Yi said. "I will definitely visit the sect leader again when I have time."
"Alright." Master Xuantian nodded. "I'll send someone to escort you down the mountain."
“No need, I can walk by myself,” Zheng Yi said.
“That won’t do,” said Master Xuantian. “You are a distinguished guest of our sect. How can we let you leave alone? Yuan Qing, come out here for a moment.”
Zhao Yuanqing walked in from outside the door and bowed to Xuan Tian Zhenren.
"What are your orders, Sect Leader?"
“Mr. Dark Night is going back. You should escort him down the mountain,” said Master Xuantian.
“Yes, Sect Leader,” Zhao Yuanqing replied.
Zheng Yi wanted to decline, but seeing how insistent Xuan Tian Zhenren was, he said no more.
"Thank you, Sect Leader." He bowed and expressed his gratitude.
"Have a safe journey, Mr. Dark Night," said True Person Xuantian. "Please visit Xuantian Sect often when you have time."
"I certainly will."
Zheng Yi bid farewell to Master Xuantian and left the bamboo hut with Zhao Yuanqing.
Back in his courtyard, Zheng Yi began packing his luggage.
He carefully wrapped the ancient books and placed them into the Sumeru Bracelet. Although he had already sorted out the contents of the ancient books, they were, after all, relics of the Xuan Tian Ancestor, and he could not take them away; he had to return them to the Xuan Tian Sect.
After packing his luggage, he went to the door and saw Zhao Yuanqing already waiting there.
“Sir, let’s go,” Zhao Yuanqing said.
"it is good."
The two left the courtyard and headed towards the mountain gate.
The scenery of Xuantian Mountain remains beautiful. Blue skies, white clouds, green mountains, and clear waters create a breathtaking panorama. A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.
"Sir, are you really leaving?" Zhao Yuanqing asked with some reluctance.
“Yes, there are still many things to take care of in Hongyun City,” Zheng Yi said. “I’ve been away for more than ten days, and I can’t delay any longer.”
“Sir, I am truly grateful to you,” Zhao Yuanqing said. “Without your guidance, I fear I would never have been able to cultivate the Heavenly Gang Technique.”
"Your talent is already excellent; I just helped you find the right method," Zheng Yi said. "If you cultivate diligently from now on, you'll definitely achieve great things."
"I will definitely do my best," Zhao Yuanqing said firmly.
The two walked and talked, and soon arrived at the mountain gate.
A carriage was parked outside the mountain gate, where Elders Guo Shouzhen and Guo Xiong were already waiting.
"Sir, you've finally come out," Guo Shouzhen greeted him. "We've been waiting for you for days."
"I apologize for keeping the two elders waiting," Zheng Yi said. "I've been working on some things these past few days, which has taken up so much time."
“It’s alright,” Guo Shouzhen said. “Mingxuan has officially become an inner disciple of the Xuantian Sect, so we have achieved our goal.”
"Where is Mingxuan?" Zheng Yi asked.
“He’s staying at the sect to cultivate and won’t be returning for the time being,” Guo Xiong said. “After all, he’s now a disciple of the Xuantian Sect; he can’t just leave whenever he wants.”
“That’s true.” Zheng Yi nodded.
“Sir, let’s go,” Guo Shouzhen said. “It’s still several days’ journey.”
"it is good."
Zheng Yi turned around and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Zhao Yuanqing.
"Senior Brother Zhao, until we meet again."
"Have a safe journey, sir," Zhao Yuanqing said. "You are welcome to visit the Xuantian Sect again sometime in the future."
"must."
Zheng Yi got into the carriage, and Guo Shouzhen and Guo Xiong also got into their horses.
"Giddy up!" The carriage slowly started moving and headed down the mountain.
Zheng Yi lifted the carriage curtain and looked back. Zhao Yuanqing was still standing at the mountain gate, waving goodbye to him.
"Until we meet again," he murmured, lowering the carriage curtain.
The carriage traveled down the mountain road and soon left the area of Xuantian Mountain.
The official road was bustling with people and merchants. Carriages weaved through the crowd, heading east.
"Sir, how was your trip to the Xuantian Sect?" Guo Shouzhen asked as he rode alongside the carriage.
"The gains have been substantial," Zheng Yi said, lifting the carriage curtain. "Not only have I learned a great deal, but I've also condensed a Heavenly Golden Core."
"The Heavenly Golden Core?" Guo Shouzhen exclaimed in surprise. "Sir, you've broken through?"
“Yes,” Zheng Yi nodded, “This is thanks to the ancient texts of the Xuantian Sect.”
"That's wonderful!" Guo Shouzhen exclaimed excitedly. "Sir's strength has increased again, which will give our Guo family even greater security in the future!"
"Elder Guo, you flatter me," Zheng Yi said.
“By the way, sir, while you were away, some news came from Hongyun City,” Guo Shouzhen said.
"What news?"
"It seems the Lu and Li families are showing signs of joining forces," Guo Shouzhen said. "It's said that Lu Yuanshan went to the Li family and discussed things with the head of the Li family for several days. We don't know the specifics of their discussion, but it certainly wasn't anything good."
Zheng Yi frowned slightly upon hearing this.
He had long anticipated that the Lu and Li families would join forces; this was merely confirmation of that guess.
"Any other news?" he asked.
"There's another piece of news," Guo Shouzhen said. "Senior Shen seems to be showing signs of a breakthrough."
"Senior Shen?" Zheng Yi's eyes lit up. "He's about to break through to the Tribulation Transcending Realm?"
"That's what I heard," Guo Shouzhen said. "According to those at the cave, Senior Shen has been in seclusion for some time now, and the spiritual energy fluctuations around the cave are extremely intense, as if he's trying to break through a bottleneck."
"That's wonderful!" Zheng Yi exclaimed excitedly. "If Senior Shen can break through to the Tribulation Transcending Realm, we'll have even less to fear from the Lu and Li families."
"Yes," Guo Shouzhen nodded, "but breaking through to the Tribulation Transcending Realm is no easy feat. I hope Senior Shen will have a smooth journey."
The carriage continued its journey and soon left the central part of Tianyuan Domain and entered the eastern region.
The scenery along the way gradually changed, from bustling towns to vast fields, from towering peaks to gentle hills. The spiritual energy in the air also became thinner, not as rich as in the central region.
Zheng Yi sat in the carriage, closing his eyes to rest.
His mind kept replaying the experiences of this period.
Sending Guo Mingxuan off at the Xuantian Sect was originally just an ordinary matter. Unexpectedly, they pulled out the Heaven-Breaking Sword, researched the advanced technique of the Heavenly Gang Technique, and even condensed the Heavenly Gang Golden Core.
"This trip has been very fruitful," he murmured.
But he also knew that there were still many things waiting for him to deal with after returning to Hongyun City. The threats from the Lu and Li families, the operation of the cave dwelling, and the construction in the north of the city—these were all matters that required his attention.
"No matter what, I'll go back first," he thought, and gradually drifted off to sleep.
A few days later, the carriage finally returned to Hongyun City.
The city gates of Hongyun City were still bustling with people. When the guards at the city gate saw the Guo family's carriage, they hurriedly came to greet them.
"Elder Guo, Mr. Dark Night, you're back!"
"Hmm, is everything alright?" Guo Shouzhen asked.
"Everything is fine," the guard said. "Young Master Guo has been waiting for your news at the City Lord's Mansion."
The carriage entered the city and headed towards the city lord's mansion.
The scenery along the streets was much the same as when he left, with shops lining the streets and pedestrians thronging the area. But Zheng Yi sensed that the atmosphere in the city was more tense than before. The pedestrians were walking hurriedly, and their faces carried a hint of worry.
"What happened?" he asked Guo Shouzhen, lifting the carriage curtain.
"I don't know," Guo Shouzhen shook his head. "Let's ask Young Master Guo when we get to the City Lord's Mansion."
The carriage soon arrived at the gate of the city lord's mansion.
Guo Tianyou was already waiting at the door. Seeing the carriage stop, he hurried over to greet it.
"Sir, Third Uncle, Fifth Uncle, you're finally back!" His face showed an anxious expression.
"Tianyou, what happened?" Guo Shouzhen asked.
"The Lu family and the Li family have joined forces!" Guo Tianyou said. "They've dispatched an army of three thousand men, which is heading towards Hongyun City! They're said to arrive in three days!"
"What?" Guo Shouzhen and Guo Xiong both changed color at the same time.
Zheng Yi, however, remained calm.
“I knew this day would come,” he said. “Let’s go inside first.”
The group entered the city lord's mansion and went to the council hall.
"Tell me the specifics." Zheng Yi sat down in the chair.
“Three days ago, our scouts reported that the Lu and Li families had formed an allied army and were marching towards Hongyun City,” Guo Tianyou said. “The allied army consists of three thousand men, led by Lu Tianxing, the third elder of the Lu family, and Li Chongyue, the second elder of the Li family.”
"Lu Tianxing and Li Chongyue," Zheng Yi pondered, "both are peak Mahayana Realm experts, their strength is not weak."
“Yes,” Guo Tianyou nodded, “and it’s said they also brought several experts at the late-stage Mahayana realm, making them extremely powerful.”
"Where is Senior Shen?" Zheng Yi asked. "Is he still in seclusion?"
“Yes,” Guo Tianyou said, “Senior Shen has been in seclusion in his cave, and we dare not disturb him.”
“He’s about to break through,” Zheng Yi said. “If he can break through to the Tribulation Realm within three days, the combined forces of the Lu and Li families will be nothing to fear.”
“But what if he can’t break through?” Guo Shouzhen asked worriedly.
“Then we’ll deal with it ourselves,” Zheng Yi said. “A coalition of three thousand men is not small, but they are not invincible.”
"What are your plans, sir?" Guo Tianyou asked.
Zheng Yi pondered for a moment, then said, "First, strengthen the city's defenses. Have the city guards ready for battle, prepared to respond to any enemy attack."
"Secondly, contact those experts who rent the cave dwellings. Although they are just tenants, their interests are aligned with ours. If the allied forces invade, the cave dwellings will also fall. They should be willing to help."
"Finally, send a message to Senior Shen, telling him about the situation outside. If he can emerge from seclusion ahead of schedule, that would be best. If not, we'll have to hold on ourselves."
“Alright, I’ll make the arrangements right away,” Guo Tianyou said.
Zheng Yi stood up and walked towards the door.
"Sir, where are you going?" Guo Shouzhen asked.
“I’ll go check out the cave,” Zheng Yi said, “and also send a message to Senior Shen.”
Dust filled the air on the bluestone official road thirty miles outside Hongyun City.
Before the morning mist had completely dissipated, the dull thud of hooves and the metallic clang of armor clashing echoed from the horizon, like distant rumbles of thunder. The guards on the city walls were the first to spot the dark mass of figures—three thousand allied soldiers, banners waving, spear tips reflecting a chilling glint in the rising sun.
On the city wall, Guo Tianyou gripped the blue bricks at the edge of the parapet tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"They're here...they're really here." His voice was a little dry. (End of Chapter)