Chapter 39: Forces Gather

The forest rustled ominously, putting the group on edge. Emerging from the dense foliage were six figures clad in monk outfits, their presence immediately setting the Heaven Dao disciples on high alert.

The leader of the new arrivals, a tall man with a serene expression, stepped forward. His eyes were sharp and intelligent, and he carried himself with the calm authority of a seasoned leader. "Greetings, friends from Heaven Dao," he said, his voice smooth and composed. "I am Ling Tian, of the Spirit Mountain Sect."

Luo Bing lowered her flute but kept her eyes fixed on the newcomers. "Greetings, Ling Tian," she replied, her voice neutral. "What brings you here?"

Ling Tian's gaze flickered over the group, noting their battle-worn appearances and the massive carcass of the dragon catfish behind them. "We sensed the disturbance and came to investigate. It seems you have handled the situation well."

Zhao Wei stepped forward, his demeanor calm but guarded. "Yes, we were fortunate to defeat the beast. What business does Spirit Mountain Sect have with us?"

Another monk stepped forward, a young man with a more youthful appearance and a playful smile. "I am Ling Jun," he introduced himself. "We're here for the same reason as you, I imagine. Just training."

Sun Li nodded slowly. "Understandable. The abode's opening has drawn many sects. It's been delayed far too long already. I guess everyone wants to be prepared." He said, trying to confirm their wrong conjecture.

They don't need to know the real reason even if, they are allies of the heaven doa sect.

Ling Tian inclined his head. "Indeed. The Lost Continent's interference has been a source of frustration for all. But we must adapt to the circumstances."

A third monk, this one with a more stoic expression and an air of quiet strength, joined the conversation. "I am Ling Shu," he said simply. "Our sect believes that cooperation, rather than conflict, will benefit all parties involved."

Luo Bing glanced at her companions, then back at Ling Shu. "We agree, to an extent. But we must remain cautious. Not all sects share your sentiment."

As if on cue, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Emerging from the shadows were five figures clad in the distinctive robes of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Their leader, a tall man with an intense gaze and a perpetually stern expression, stepped forward. "Greetings, Heaven Dao and Spirit Mountain," he said curtly. "I am Jian Ming of the Heavenly Sword Sect."

Luo Bing's expression remained cold. "Jian Ming," she acknowledged.

Jian Ming's eyes narrowed slightly. "Just training for the Immortal Abode. We can't afford to miss such an opportunity."

The tension between the two groups was palpable. Zhao Wei stepped closer to Luo Bing, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We know your intentions," he said, his voice low. "But your presence is rarely without complications."

Another member of the Heavenly Sword Sect, a young woman with sharp eyes and a confident stance, interjected. "I am Jian Mei," she introduced herself, her tone icy. "Our sect has no intention of causing trouble. We're here to train, just like you."

Lan Mei, standing beside Luo Bing, frowned. "Your goals often involve undermining others. We've had enough encounters to know that much."

Jian Ming's eyes flashed with irritation. "We're not here to argue. We all have a common interest in the Immortal Abode. Let's focus on that."

A younger member of the Spirit Mountain Sect, a boy with an earnest expression, stepped forward. "I am Ling Yuan," he said, trying to defuse the tension. "We should all aim to avoid conflict for now. You all know very well that lost continent is involved."

The final two members of the Spirit Mountain Sect, a pair of twin siblings with serene expressions, introduced themselves. "I am Ling Tao," said the brother. "And I am Ling Xiu," added the sister. "We stand with our sect in promoting harmony."

Jian Ming's gaze flicked to them, his expression softening slightly. "Your sentiments are noble. But the reality is, not everyone here can trust each other."

Luo Bing's eyes remained cold and calculating. "We have no intention of causing unnecessary conflict. But we will not back down if provoked."

The last member of the Heavenly Sword Sect, a young man with a serious demeanor, spoke up. "I am Jian Kai," he said. " Jian Wuji wanted me to convey this message to you."

He moved his hand and a paper folded to look like a crane landed on Luo Bing's hand

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Luo Bing's eyes narrowed as she read it. "Indeed, Jian Wuji's absence is noticeable. Without him, it would be wise for your sect to avoid unnecessary confrontations." she mocked with a straight face.

Jian Ming bristled at her words, his hand twitching towards his sword. "We don't need Jian Wuji to handle ourselves," he said, his voice sharp.

Ling Tian stepped forward, placing himself between the two groups. "Enough," he said firmly.

"We all will get our chance to sort our differences in abode. The Immortal Abode will open soon, and we must be prepared. There's no time for petty squabbles. We don't want to drag our sects into something that would benefit others, right?"

Luo Bing's expression softened slightly, though her eyes remained vigilant. "Agreed. We should rest and prepare. There's no telling what challenges the abode will present."

The group from the Heavenly Sword Sect reluctantly nodded, and Jian Ming's tense posture relaxed slightly. "Very well," he said. "We'll set up camp nearby. But know this— I will make you pay for what you did."

Luo Bing ignored the petty 'bug' whom, she rejected in public.

But even that wasn't exactly her choice. She could sense the disgusting emotions this guy was feeling right now.

This was her unique ability which allowed her sense emotions of those with in her range, in a way she was the best scout, best spy, best investigator and even the best at breaking illusions or manipulation.

Simply put, she was the best judge of someone's character.

But just now, she didn't sense these two groups coming.

"I have to work harder to gain control over this ability to the point where I can keep this activated at all times." She thought with some irritation and dejection.

As the groups began to settle into a tenuous truce, the forest around them seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

The tension remained, but for now, it was tempered by the understanding that, the Immortal Abode loomed on the horizon.

As for those from the spirit mountain sect, they were outwardly were very humble but just like other sects they were proud to their bones.

But relatively speaking, she still have a much better impression of these monks compared to other sects because she hasn't sensed as much lust from them as she had from others, since their cultivation technique demands that they give up their desires.

They are probably the one of the trickiest opponents, if not the trickiest to deal with.

"Yuan Bo, collect the corpse of the beast." She ordered. Yuan Bo nodded as he moved to collect their prize.

"We will be taking our leave now." She said to Ling Tian as they prepared to move out.

But before they could move or Ling Tian could say anything, a huge explosion went off in the distance.

"What was that?" Ling Tian asked instinctively.

"Only one way to find out." Zhao Wie said as he moved.

Luo Bing didn't disapproved the suggestion.

................

Ning Feng's POV

"Looks like we are in luck today." I said as I rubbed my hands with greed, It's a devil mantis .

The creature before us was monstrous, standing at nearly eight feet tall, its body covered in dark, chitinous armor that shimmered with an ominous, shadowy sheen. Its eyes were a piercing crimson, and its forelimbs ended in razor-sharp scythes that looked capable of slicing through steel.

Ning Rong, my sister, nodded, her expression serious. "Devil mantises usually guard Heavenly Jewel Herbs," she said, her eyes scanning the area behind the beast. "And there it is."

Nestled among a cluster of precious herbs, the Heavenly Jewel Herb stood out with its radiant, jewel-like petals that glowed with an inner light. Its leaves were a vibrant green, and the air around it seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy.

I grinned. "We were lucky that my formation was triggered by this beast, or else it would have been hard to find it in this forest given its shadow attribute."

Ning Rong readied herself, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the devil mantis. "Let's take it down quickly."

The devil mantis screeched, its body tensing as it prepared to attack. I drew my sword, the blade glowing with a soft, azure light as I infused it with my qi. Ning Rong unsheathed her sword, their edges gleaming with a deadly sharpness.

The mantis lunged at us with incredible speed, its scythe-like limbs slicing through the air. I parried its attack, the force of the blow sending a shockwave through my arms. "Careful, Rong!" I shouted, stepping back to create some distance.

Ning Rong moved with agility, dodging the mantis's strikes with ease. She countered with a flurry of quick slashes, her daggers leaving trails of light as they cut through the air. "This thing is fast," she muttered, her brow furrowing in concentration.

The mantis hissed, its eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. It swung its forelimbs in a wide arc, forcing us to dodge to the sides. I took the opportunity to strike, my sword slicing through one of its legs. The mantis screeched in pain, its movements becoming more erratic.

"Good hit, Feng!" Ning Rong called out, her daggers flashing as she aimed for the mantis's eyes. The beast recoiled, its head snapping back as one of her daggers found its mark.

The devil mantis's body shimmered with shadowy qi, hardening its outer shell in a defensive barrier. I gritted my teeth, realizing that our attacks were now less effective. "It's using its shadow qi to reinforce its armor!"

Ning Rong nodded, her expression determined. "Time to end this." She reached for her artifact ring, a silver band embedded with a glowing lightning symbol, my gift to her on reaching 8 years old.

Channeling her qi into the ring, she unleashed a burst of energy, the symbol flaring with a brilliant light.

The pink lightning energy wave slammed into the mantis, shattering its barrier and punching a hole around it's abdomen, leaving it vulnerable. "Now, Feng!" Ning Rong shouted.

I surged forward, my sword glowing brighter as I poured all my qi into a final strike. With a swift, powerful slash, I cleaved through the mantis's neck, severing its head from its body. The beast collapsed to the ground, its lifeless form twitching as its qi dissipated.

"Well, that was easy" I chuckled as she just rolled her eyes.

We approached the cluster of herbs, our eyes fixed on the radiant plant. As we carefully harvested the Heavenly Jewel Herb, I placed in a jade box I created in order to preserve qi plants.

I also started to gather other qi plants.

After some time.....

"Stop right there!"

I spun around as I narrowed my eyes and assessed the newcomers.

Emerging from the dense foliage were three groups, their appearances distinct yet unified by the tension in the air.

The first group wore the white and gold robes of the Heaven Dao Sect which I knew, their insignia glinting in the dappled sunlight.

The second group, clad in deep green and brown, bore the calm, composed demeanor .

The final group, their black and silver garments stark against the forest backdrop, carried various kinds of swords.

Oh shit, here we go, time to meet some young masters.