Chapter Sixty-One: Qingyang Peak (Part One)

Under the morning light, mist billowed gently at the base of the mountain, weaving through the foothills. On Qingyang Peak of Cangyun Mountain, the atmosphere was lively and bustling; thanks to the ardent support from Xuanzhen Temple, the century-old alchemy sect Danxia Sect was to have Elder Yang Zheng assume the position of sect leader today.

All three major sects of Cangyun Mountain boasted centuries of history. Days earlier, both Xuanzhen Temple and Danxia Sect had dispatched disciples to send invitations far and wide, inviting all righteous sects within Yongzhou to witness the ceremony.

On this day, Danxia Sect opened its gates wide. Hundreds of Daoists from Xuanzhen Temple and disciples under Yang Zheng assembled along the mountain path, standing at attention. Soon, masters from various sects arrived, one after another, to attend the ceremony.

Xuanzhen Temple, suspecting that the Seven Absolutes Sect might seize this opportunity during the succession ceremony on Qingyang Peak to cause trouble, spared no effort in inviting allied sect masters. Daoist Cangsong, the head of Xuanzhen Temple, even took his place on Qingyang Peak himself, appearing as though he was bracing for a formidable foe.

Led by Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun, Qi Fei, Luo Dingshan, and others—along with the outer disciples of Danxia Sect—proceeded up the mountain under the cold, mocking gaze of Xuanzhen Temple and Qingyang Peak disciples.

Though their expressions were grim and all bore weapons, the disciples of Xuanzhen Temple paid little heed to this outer force from Danxia Sect.

Arriving outside the grand hall, Mo Zhanpeng could not help but sigh deeply, turning to say, “There will surely be fierce battle today. You outer disciples need only remain outside the hall to bolster our presence. Do not rashly confront the disciples of Xuanzhen Temple.”

Though Xu Yi and the other outer disciples had benefited from Mo Zhanpeng’s guidance and bestowed medicines, cultivating true martial qi, standing now before the grand hall and facing the fierce masters of Xuanzhen Temple and Qingyang Peak, their earlier bravado had long vanished.

A battle was inevitable today atop Qingyang Peak, and knowing their own cultivation was shallow, Xu Yi and his peers understood they were no match for Xuanzhen Temple’s disciples. Worry gnawed at them, and some timid disciples even considered retreating.

Upon hearing that Elder Mo had no intention of leading the outer disciples into the hall to oppose Xuanzhen Temple, everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded in agreement.

Leaving Xu Yi and the outer disciples outside, Mo Zhanpeng and Elder Sun led Qi Fei and the others into the grand hall.

Inside the majestic hall, the invited masters from various sects had already filled the seats. As Mo Zhanpeng and his party entered, the previously lively hall fell suddenly silent.

The fact that Xuanzhen Temple had seized the foundation of Danxia Sect was no longer a secret. Rumor had it that several elders of Danxia Sect, unwilling to become puppets of Xuanzhen Temple, had brought their disciples to occupy the outer quarters and oppose Qingyang Peak, which Xuanzhen Temple supported. Observing the proud yet somewhat reckless expressions of Yang Zheng and the Danxia Sect disciples, the audience surmised this group was indeed the defiant outer force of Danxia Sect.

Curiosity flickered across the faces of the attending masters. In this world, strength reigns supreme, and they wondered what choices this group would make under the pressing dominance of Xuanzhen Temple.

On the dais, Yang Zheng, radiant and full of confidence, paused briefly, then stepped forward with a genial smile and declared, “Elder Mo, Elder Sun, your arrival is most timely. Today marks the auspicious occasion of my succession as sect leader of Danxia Sect. Without the presence of you two elders, the ceremony would surely lack luster.”

“Elder Yang is surely pleased today, and it seems you’ve long regarded the sect leader’s seat as yours. Yet the world is unpredictable; may you not find joy turning to sorrow,” Mo Zhanpeng replied coldly, anger flickering across his face.

Having spoken, Mo Zhanpeng ignored Yang Zheng’s insincere pleasantries and led his disciples to a side of the hall.

Yang Zheng’s expression darkened, and he sneered, “Elder Mo, a wise man knows how to adapt. The sect leader’s whereabouts were unknown, and without Xuanzhen Temple’s strong support, none of us would have a place on Cangyun Mountain. If you persist in stubbornness, once I assume leadership, I will cleanse the sect of disloyalty.”

Mo Zhanpeng was about to flare up when Qi Fei, who had concealed his cultivation before ascending the mountain, gently tugged his master’s sleeve and whispered, “A small forbearance preserves greater plans. Please calm yourself, Master.”

With their forces weak and isolated, and Huo Zhongmou and Sima Yan yet to appear, Mo Zhanpeng could only grit his teeth and endure.

Noticing the strange scene in the hall, Yang Zheng’s gaze fell on Qi Fei. He remembered this disciple, who had offered the Spirit Gathering Pill and was later punished for breaking sect rules. He was surprised that this seemingly ordinary youth could persuade the hot-tempered Mo Zhanpeng to restrain himself, and suspicion flashed in Yang Zheng’s eyes.

Just then, a Danxia Sect disciple outside the hall shouted loudly.

“The young Marquis has arrived!”

The masters in the hall were startled and rose to their feet, even Daoist Cangsong, the head of Xuanzhen Temple, frowned.

Marquis Chu Huaiyuan had ruled over the nine counties of Yongzhou for years, and the younger generation of the Chu family often joined the major righteous sects within the region. Seeing the dignified Chu Qingyun enter the hall with his retinue, the crowd hurried to greet him.

“Young Marquis, it’s been some time—your presence today surpasses even the past!” An elder in gray robes, with an air of immortal dignity, smiled with pride.

Chu Qingyun was startled and quickly replied, “So it is Daoist Muyun of Yunxiao Sect. I am humbled and dare not accept such honor.”

Daoist Muyun smiled gently and introduced, “This is the eldest son of Marquis Chu. You disciples, pay your respects to the young Marquis.”

The disciples of Yunxiao Sect stepped forward to greet him, and Chu Qingyun responded, “I dare not. I am Chu Qingyun. It is a privilege to meet the masters of Yunxiao Sect here on Qingyang Peak—a truly worthwhile journey!”

After exchanging pleasantries with the Yunxiao Sect disciples, Chu Qingyun greeted representatives from other major sects.

Yunxiao Sect, Haoran Qi Sect, Tianyin Mountain...

From the martial sects: Frost Valley, Da Luo Sword Sect, Lianxia Sword Sect...

Chu Qingyun marveled at Xuanzhen Temple’s influence, able to summon all major sects within Yongzhou; little wonder their disciples dared act so arrogantly.

Behind Chu Qingyun, Huo Zhongmou also sensed trouble. Clearly, Xuanzhen Temple had long prepared for this, and though the invited sects might show deference to the Marquis, the young Marquis alone could not command these powerful masters.

Previously, encouraged by Chu Qingyun, Huo Zhongmou had ambitious plans to contest Yang Zheng for leadership. Now, seeing the formidable assembly, he reconsidered, thinking it safer to enjoy prosperity at the Marquis’s mansion than risk everything against Xuanzhen Temple and Yang Zheng.

Qi Fei watched closely, noticing the fear in Huo Zhongmou’s eyes. Fearing that this cunning elder might shrink from confronting Yang Zheng, Qi Fei made up his mind and stepped forward.

“Young Marquis, Elder Huo, you must uphold justice for us!”

The sudden cry startled everyone in the hall. Turning, they saw a youth in white step from the ranks of Danxia Sect’s outer force.

“How dare you behave so disrespectfully in the grand hall! Elder Mo, is this how you teach your disciples?” Yang Zheng’s face grew cold, his eyes brimming with murderous intent as he stared at Qi Fei.

Before Mo Zhanpeng could speak, Chu Qingyun, already dissatisfied with Xuanzhen Temple, shot Yang Zheng a cold look and said, “Though I have no wish to meddle in your sect’s affairs, Elder Huo is still an elder of Danxia Sect. Since this young man asks us to uphold justice, there must be a reason. Let him speak.”

“Qi Fei?” Huo Zhongmou immediately recognized the disciple, surprised that he would call on the young Marquis and himself for justice.

Qi Fei approached Chu Qingyun and Huo Zhongmou, feigning a trembling voice. “Young Marquis, Elder Huo, Yang Zheng is unfit to lead Danxia Sect.”

Yang Zheng, furious, shouted, “How dare you act so brazenly in the grand hall!”

Qi Fei, appearing anxious, drew a deep breath and, as if summoning courage, pointed at Yang Zheng and yelled, “The sect leader is not missing—Yang Zheng, the traitor, harmed him to seize the position!”

Yang Zheng was stunned, then enraged. Though circumstances forced him to ally with Xuanzhen Temple, he had never harmed Lu Qingxuan; Qi Fei’s accusation was sheer slander.

“You dare to slander me, you little wretch—prepare to die!” Yang Zheng, consumed by anger, struck at Qi Fei.

Qi Fei, seemingly lacking cultivation, stumbled while dodging, falling before Chu Qingyun.

Yang Zheng had not anticipated Qi Fei’s incompetence; unable to halt his attack, his palm struck toward Chu Qingyun.

Chu Qingyun, possessing considerable martial prowess, calmly deflected Yang Zheng’s blow, sneering, “Is this how Qingyang Peak treats its guests?”

The masters behind Chu Qingyun roared in anger, “How dare you disrespect the young Marquis!”

Seeing the situation turn dangerous, the disciples of Qingyang Peak and Xuanzhen Temple quickly rallied behind Yang Zheng. Confident in the Marquis’s prestige, Chu Qingyun’s followers refused to back down, ready at a word to apprehend the audacious elder.

In the grand hall, tension soared, and the two sides stood on the brink of conflict, the situation thrown into chaos.