Bombarding Cultivators with Cluster Artillery

"Tushan Monster Country?"

Jiang Ding's Divine Sense interfaced with the Jinlingshan Mountain Formation and gazed in all directions.

As expected, he saw one or two beast-headed monster generals strolling in the mountains, accompanied by laughter, with numerous mortal servants and maids in tow, carrying umbrellas, preparing sweet wine, fanning the air, busily enjoying themselves, mixed with a few Foundation Establishment Stage disciples.

In the direction of the main peak, Tianleifeng Peak, the faint sounds of strings and woodwinds could be heard, along with boisterous laughter. Fairy-like figures from the Foundation Establishment Stage led a group of disciples in a dance in the sky, their movements enchanting, as pink petals fell from the heavens.

Another banquet.

"A bit too submissive in manner."

Jiang Ding frowned slightly, feeling some discomfort upon seeing this scene.

But he did nothing.

When one's strength is weak, even temporary humiliation can be endured with a sweet smile. This is a display of the profound survival capability of humans—all dignity must be founded on the basis of strength.

Even for Xianmen Sect, when weak, one could only be a furnace cauldron or a lead dancer for others.

As long as victory is ultimately achieved, then it all becomes glory and honor.

"Han Lin wants to see me?"

Jiang Ding considered for a moment and roughly speculated, his Divine Sense touching the Golden Pendant lightly.

Soon, a streak of cyan Escape Light flew from a distance, landing on the ground and transforming into a cultivator wearing a nearly white-washed robe, whose plain face approached with a measured step. He was at the Sixth Layer of Qi Practicing.

"Greetings, Junior Ancestor Uncle."

Han Lin said respectfully, handing over a Jade Slip: "This is the news from the Outer Realm Immortal Cultivation World that I have strived to collect in the Book Pavilion and various marketplaces over the years, up to this year, ensuring that all possible sources had been thoroughly searched."

"You've worked hard."

Jiang Ding nodded, his Divine Sense pulling the Jade Slip over to examine it carefully.

"... Yue Country, located in a remote corner of the Cultivation World, is surrounded on three sides by different terrains: sea, desert, and ice field, all of which are spiritless areas. Only to the north lies what's called the Northern Plains Immortal Cultivation World, an incredibly distant journey. It is rumored to be exceedingly prosperous in the way of Immortal cultivation, rich in resources, and teeming with powerful individuals..."

"... Passing through Tushan Monster Country, and heading north, one has to endure the vast Spiritless Gobi Desert to arrive. For Foundation-building cultivators, it is a road of nine deaths and one life, only Golden Pill Monks may venture there, yet still face constant risks..."

"... It's heard that, over two thousand years ago, an Ancestor Master of our sect with a Sky Spiritual Root, after cultivating new Golden Pill Monks for our sect in pursuit of the Great Way, resolutely went to the Northern Plains Immortal Cultivation World to seek the Dao and, centuries later, entered into nirvana, leaving behind his teachings..."

There were also various other miscellaneous pieces of knowledge such as secret route maps of questionable authenticity, treasures handed down in the Northern Plains Immortal Cultivation World, as well as introductions to the customs and culture there.

"... In the Northern Plains Immortal Cultivation World, the customs differ from other realms; though they are called sects, they are actually clans. Direct lines of sects often continue through bloodline inheritance, and it's said that there are families that have managed to survive for thousands of years... Xuetu Hall's Hua Xue Yu's Clan, Zhang's of Du Jiang, Bai Gui Liu's Clan, all of them fled from the Northern Plains Immortal Cultivation World..."

"... Mu Tiansnow, with her mysterious origins, was personally raised by the previous generation's Patriarch Hua Xue; as a girl, she killed many Foundation-building cultivators within her family to secure her position..."

"Clan?"

Jiang Ding was taken aback.

How could such an inefficient organizational form survive for such a long time and spread so widely in an Immortal Cultivation World many times larger than Yue Country?

"If the information is correct, there must be a reason behind it."

The education Jiang Ding had received made many speculations arise in his mind, which he momentarily shelved as he looked at the ordinary-looking young man before him: "You've sought to meet with me several times; is there something you need?"

Over the past three years, there had been seven requests from Han Lin for a meeting.

"Junior Ancestor Uncle comprehends deeply."

Han Lin hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth: "I wish to request a long-term assignment in Tushan Monster Country, preferably one that lasts for twenty or thirty years."

When disciples enter the sect, they all leave a trace of their Divine Soul Brand in the Ancestor Master Hall. If they betray the sect or refuse to obey orders, enforcement cultivators will personally pursue and kill them.

If the situation is severe, even the Patriarch Jin Dan might get involved in the pursuit.

"Twenty or thirty years."

Jiang Ding frowned, showing some displeasure.

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This was about completely avoiding the sect conflict and even leaving Yue Country altogether.

This matter originally had nothing to do with him.

He himself also felt that the Qiyu Sect was too harsh on Outer Sect disciples, requiring their hard labor to support the sect without any significant investment in them. He could understand why some Outer Sect disciples wanted to leave and not join the war, and he wouldn't act arrogantly if he came across one wanting to leave.

But it was a different story when he was asked to do it himself.

Overall, the Qiyu Sect had been quite fair to him. The Nine Apertures Golden Fruit was practically laid out in front of him, just waiting for him to take it, even though everyone's collaboration was based on mutual interests and power balance.

But isn't it the same everywhere?

In such circumstances, when the Qiyu Sect's situation was not good, to take the lead in undermining the sect, to create an opening, was something he found hard to do.

Although that person had done many things for him before, he had given ample rewards in return, so there was no debt between them.

Han Lin looked upwards, feeling increasingly uneasy.

"Go and bring back the heads of five Foundation-building cultivators from the Xuetu Hall,"

After a long consideration, Jiang Ding said indifferently, "I will issue a mission at the Sect Administrative Hall. The heads of five Foundation-building cultivators can be exchanged for a hundred years of assignments in a remote area."

"Five Foundation-builders!"

Han Lin's face turned pale, and he said incredulously, "Junior Ancestor Uncle, I am only at the Sixth Layer of Qi Practicing! Could it be that you..."

Jiang Ding smiled slightly, watching him quietly.

"Could it be..."

Han Lin's voice lowered.

"Indeed, it is as such, go on,"

Jiang Ding waved his hand dismissively, "I don't care how you do it, and I understand, but if you want my token, it can only be this way."

"...Yes."

Han Lin had no choice but to take his leave.

After watching him go, Jiang Ding cultivated for a moment and then opened his eyes to gaze into the distance.

...

In the mountains,

Li Qingyun, a disciple of the Supreme Elder, personally accompanied by many foundation-building Sect cultivators, was in high spirits. They were harmoniously discussing various Magic, radiating Spiritual Light, and seemed to get along well.

Among them, two individuals were the most eye-catching.

One was a woman dressed in a red palace gown with deliberate cut-out designs revealing her captivating eyes and large patches of creamy skin. Her appearance was alluring, and her figure enchanting. The seductive glances she cast could capture souls, and the three fiery red Fox Tails behind her added much to her allure.

Many foundation-building Sect cultivators occasionally stole glances in her direction, their gazes filled with desire.

The other was much rougher in manner, with a sturdy build and, shockingly, the head of a bird. With feathers as dark as jade and a sharp beak that seemed powerful and intimidating, the peak Foundation Establishment pressure that emanated from his body made others' breathing heavy.

"Junior Brother Qing, didn't you say that the Qiyu Swordman is still in seclusion?"

The woman with three tails cast a glance at the Escape Light that Han Lin had just taken on his hurried departure and said with a voice that tingled the listener's heart, while clinging to Li Qingyun's arm, "Don't tell me you're deceiving your sister. I won't let this slide easily."

The man with the dark bird's head looked enviously at Li Qingyun.

"Senior Sister Chiyuan is joking,"

Li Qingyun showed no pleasure at having a beauty clinging to his arm and subtly withdrew it, "That was just a subordinate of the Junior Ancestor Uncle, passing by, nothing out of the ordinary."

He felt a growing headache.

His Master had instructed him not to let the Junior Ancestor Uncle come into contact with these demon folk, to avoid any unpleasant incidents. Yet this woman seemed determined to steer the conversation in that direction.

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