Qinghe Immortal Clan.

Guyang Mountain, in Xiaoyao Hall.

More than a dozen Jindan elders from the Xiaoyao Sect have gathered together, all with solemn expressions on their faces, and are talking to each other about the news of the monsters that had recently moved south.

Even Guangling Zhenren, who has become gray-haired and has not participated in the sect's affairs in recent years, came to Xiaoyao Palace this time, a rare occasion, to discuss with everyone how to deal with the monster chaos.

After Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan arrived here, they had just greeted everyone when the supreme elder Li Mufeng, who had been in seclusion for a long time and had not appeared in public, appeared outside the hall at the same time.

For a cultivator in the Nascent Soul stage, it would take at least 10 to 20 years to practice in seclusion. Therefore, Li Mufeng, the sect's supreme elder, spends most of his time practicing in seclusion in a cave and rarely shows up in public.

The sect's affairs, big and small, are basically handed over to the sect leader Bai Yuxian and the many Jindan elders in the sect to handle.

After so many years of secluded training, Li Mufeng's cultivation has also improved in recent years. Twenty years ago, not long after Song Qingming left the Floating Cloud Mountains, Li Mufeng had successfully broken through and advanced to the fourth level of the Nascent Soul realm.

The world of immortal cultivation in the Floating Cloud Mountains is a place where cultivation resources are relatively scarce. A cultivator who can cultivate to the middle stage of the Nascent Soul is considered to have reached the pinnacle. In the past ten thousand years, few people have been able to break through to the late stage of the Nascent Soul.

Li Mufeng, as the only Nascent Soul cultivator in Xiaoyao Sect, broke through to the fourth level of Nascent Soul before he was nine hundred years old. His talent for cultivation was already quite outstanding among all the Nascent Soul cultivators in the Floating Cloud Mountains.

"Meet the Supreme Elder!"

After seeing Li Mufeng's figure, everyone in the hall hurriedly stood up and bowed to Li Mufeng with respect.

After taking a quick glance at everyone in the hall, Li Mufeng smiled and nodded slightly, then he slowly walked to the seat at the top of the center of the hall and sat down.

"Uncle Li, Junior Brother Song has not returned from traveling yet, Junior Brother Chen is in seclusion to break through, and the other elders of the sect have all arrived!" Li Mufeng had just sat down when Bai Yuxian, who was standing beside him, hurriedly opened his mouth to report to him.

"Well! You all take a seat first."

After everyone in the hall sat down, Li Mufeng spoke softly again: "Some time ago, the sect received news from the northern frontier that the northern border monsters have moved south on a large scale.

Before today, you should have heard some rumors about Jinyu Mountain.

Now I can officially tell you that the Golden Feather Demon King left the Floating Cloud Mountains a few years ago and has disappeared. The Golden Feather Mountain has indeed changed its owner now, so the agreement between the sect and the demon clan regarding the beast tide no longer exists from now on.

So far, we haven't heard much information. We only know that the new Demon King is named Molong Demon King, and his cultivation strength should be no less than mine.

But you don't have to worry too much about the Black Dragon Demon King. In this battle, I will do my best to restrain him and won't give him the chance to attack you. You all just need to focus on dealing with the demon kings under Jinyushan's command.

This beast tide is different from the previous ones. Although the sect has made sufficient preparations in all aspects, the other side has also gathered a large army of monsters.

In addition to the monsters originally near Jinyu Mountain, there are also many monsters that followed the Black Dragon Demon King from the northern border. I estimate that the power of the monsters heading south this time should be stronger than last time.

I am telling you all these things to remind you that this battle may be different from the past for us, and you all should be mentally prepared for a tough battle. "

In recent years, Song Qingyu and his friends had heard about the incidents that took place in Jinyu Mountain in the north, but they were not sure whether they were true.

Now that they heard Li Mufeng personally confirm that the owner of Jinyu Mountain had changed and the previous battlefield agreement between the two parties had become invalid, everyone present showed a complicated look on their faces.

Over the past hundred years, although the Xiaoyao Sect had gained five Jindan elders, namely Xu Ziyan, Hu Tianren, Song Qingyu, Huang Siyuan, and Fang Baixuan, it had also lost a number of high-level cultivators.

First, Ma Hongshan led the Ma family of "Iron Immortal Fort" to rebel against the sect, and was killed by the people of Xiaoyao Sect. Then Lu Boyang died in a battle with "Tianhai League".

In addition, the previous leader, Yao Qianshu, had suffered multiple injuries that affected his lifespan. Now that his life is coming to an end, he has been bedridden and has not much time left. He can no longer help deal with the chaos caused by monsters.

Guangling Zhenren, an old generation Jindan cultivator who is about the same age as him, has always paid more attention to health preservation and is not as overworked as Yao Qianshu. He currently looks relatively healthy, but his life span has reached 570 years, and he is only 20 to 30 years away from the deadline for Jindan cultivators.

At this age, Master Guangling's strength has been greatly reduced compared to his peak state. At most, he can only exert the strength of an early Jindan cultivator. If he gets injured, it will affect his lifespan and cause him to die prematurely.

In the event of the subsequent riots caused by monsters, it would be difficult for Master Guangling to take action, and he could only help allocate supplies for the monks in the rear and guard the mountain gate.

Overall, although the Xiaoyao Sect has a few more Jindan cultivators than a hundred years ago, the overall strength of the sect has not actually increased much.

If Song Qingming fails to catch up with this great battle, Xiaoyao Sect's strength in high-level cultivators will probably be even weaker than it was a hundred years ago.

Knowing that this monster riot might be even more severe than the last one, most of the people present had no confidence in whether they could successfully repel the attack of the monster army in this battle.

You have to know that the last time Xiaoyao Sect was able to hold several strongholds in the north and repel the massive attack of monsters.

In addition to the fact that the headmaster Yao Qianshu endured the injuries on his body and forced himself to fight the enemy, there was another important reason, which was that they finally asked Li Xianyun, a master in the late Jindan stage, for help.

As a result, the Xiaoyao Sect accumulated enough strength, and through the battle of "Purple Star Square", it directly reversed the unfavorable situation on the entire battlefield, and finally drove the army of monsters out of the Weiguo territory.

This time, the monsters are causing chaos. Even if Li Mufeng can hold back the opponent's Nascent Soul Demon King, under similar circumstances, it will probably be more difficult for them to successfully repel the massive attack of a more ferocious army of monsters than a hundred years ago. Naturally, everyone present is well aware of this.

"Uncle Li, every time the monsters start to cause chaos, our human race suffers countless casualties. Now Junior Brother Song hasn't come back yet, and I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to defend the entire front with our current strength.

Do you think you could consider giving up the area near Tuoyun Mountain first and concentrate on guarding Tiexian Fort and Guiyunfang? This way, we will be under less pressure.

Once we get through the most difficult times, other countries around us will be able to spare some strength to support us, and then we can find a way to recover the lost territory.”

After hearing what Li Mufeng said, Zhao Menglian, who was somewhat worried about the sect's war, spoke first, wanting to suggest that the Xiaoyao Sect abandon Tuoyun Mountain, a relatively prominent stronghold, and concentrate the sect's strength to guard Tiexian Fort and Guiyunfang, the two northern gates that defend the country.

In the northern part of Wei State, adjacent to the Floating Cloud Mountains, there are four relatively large market strongholds from west to east, namely "Tiexian Fort", "Tuoyun Mountain", "Guiyunfang" and "Jinshanfang".

Among them, "Iron Immortal Fort" and "Guiyunfang" are the two most important gateways guarding the north of Wei State, and are also the two places that Xiaoyao Sect attaches the most importance to since its establishment.

Once these two places were lost in the turmoil, the monsters in the northern border would be able to march straight in and directly attack "Gaoyun County", the largest county in the northern part of Wei State, threatening Guyang County, the core hinterland of Xiaoyao Sect.

The last time monsters rioted a hundred years ago, the Xiaoyao Sect was at a disadvantage and some monsters bypassed "Guiyunfang" and entered "Gaoyun County" in the north to cause a big commotion, causing the sect to lose millions of mortals in one go and almost affecting the foundation of the Xiaoyao Sect.

Fortunately, "Guiyunfang" was not lost at that time. Xiaoyao Sect was finally able to rely on this important base to launch a counterattack and drive the monster out of Weiguo territory.

In comparison, the two places "Jinshanfang" and "Tuoyunshan" are much less important to the sect.

"Jinshanfang" is far away in the northeastern border of Wei State. The area nearby is relatively desolate and there are no large spiritual veins. Although "Jinshanfang" will be attacked by monsters every time there is a riot, this place has never been the main attack direction of the monster army.

With the two Jindan cultivators from the Song family, plus cultivators from several counties in Jiangling County, there shouldn't be any big problems guarding this place.

"Tuoyun Mountain" is located in the northeast of Tiexian Fort. It has a relatively prominent position and is deep in the Floating Cloud Mountains. Every time there is a riot by monsters, this is the first place to be hit.

Although there were not too many monsters attacking "Tuoyun Mountain" every year in the past, and they were usually "Tuoyun Mountain's" old rival, the Yunhe Monster King, but it would be very difficult for Zhang Rong, a fake elixir cultivator from "Tuoyun Mountain", to defend this place alone, and he would definitely need support from the Xiaoyao Sect.

But now that the power of the monsters has greatly increased, the Xiaoyao Sect is under great pressure to defend a few places, and it is really difficult to take care of "Tuoyun Mountain". Therefore, Zhao Menglian proposed that the sect should voluntarily give up "Tuoyun Mountain" and concentrate its forces to retreat to "Iron Immortal Fort".

Hu Tianren, who had already taken over the "Iron Immortal Castle", echoed the words:
"Senior Sister Zhao is right! Tuoyun Mountain is not the sect's territory, and we have no obligation to take care of them. It would be better to notify them to evacuate first, so as not to waste too much of the sect's power to support them.

This time, Jinyu Mountain has just replaced its demon king. Master Li, do you think we can negotiate with them as before and re-establish an alliance with Jinyu Mountain? Maybe they are unwilling to fight us to the death."

Hearing Hu Tianren's suggestion, Li Mufeng shook his head without thinking:
"You are a little too naive. The demon race is bloodthirsty and brutal by nature, and has been the mortal enemy of our human cultivators for thousands of years. How could this new Black Dragon Demon King be so easy to talk to?

If we choose to negotiate with them rashly before the war starts, not only will we fail to achieve our goal, but the other side will also think that we are afraid of them, and they will become more unscrupulous in the subsequent battles.

If you want to make an alliance with the other party, you can't just talk about it. If you don't prove that we have the strength to repel the monsters' attacks, how can we make others willing to sit down and listen to you? The monsters' turmoil happens once every hundred years, and the sect has to sacrifice many talented younger monks every time. I also want to avoid these things from happening.

But now our human race is weak, and facing this once-in-a-century monster riot, we don’t have much choice. The only way for the sect to protect our own territory is to fight hard.”

Li Mufeng had just finished speaking when Guangling Zhenren, who was sitting beside him, stood up again.

"Master Li is right. It is not a long-term solution to try to get along with the demons. Even if we are willing to give in and give up some territory, these demons will not be satisfied so easily. I am afraid they will continue to encroach on our territory.

The outcome of this battle is unpredictable before it even begins. Whether it's Guiyunfang, Tiexianbao or Tuoyunshan, we cannot give them up to the monsters easily.

I have been carefully nurtured by the sect for so many years. Although I am old, I still want to serve the sect. This time, I am willing to lead people to Tuoyun Mountain to help Jinyun Pavilion and others defend this sacred mountain and share some of the pressure of the sect. I hope that Master Li can fulfill my wish. "

After Master Guangling finished speaking, many elders present, including the Grand Elder Li Mufeng, all showed some surprise.

Having served as the sect's Golden Core Elder for so many years, Master Guangling has always acted cautiously and seldom ventured out to seek opportunities.

Almost no one expected that he, who was already old and enjoying his retirement, would step forward at this critical moment when the monsters were heading south, and go to the dangerous Tuoyun Mountain front to share the sect's worries.

Seeing Master Guangling bowing and looking expectantly at Li Mufeng who was sitting at the top, Bai Yuxian, who had just taken over as the head of the sect, quickly spoke to persuade him:

"Brother Guangling, the sect will make arrangements for Tuoyun Mountain. You are too old to fight with others rashly. It is too dangerous to go to Tuoyun Mountain. It is better for you to stay in the sect and help us allocate monks' supplies."

"I appreciate Junior Sister Bai's kindness. I have been hiding in the sect doing trivial things all my life and have never made any great contributions to the sect. In this respect, I am always inferior to other junior brothers and sisters, and I have always felt a little regretful.

Now I am a dying man, there is nothing to worry about. If I have the opportunity to make contributions to the sect again, even if I die on the battlefield, it will be a great pleasure in life. I hope that Master Li can fulfill my last wish. "

From Master Guangling's words, it was clear that he had made up his mind. After sitting for a long time, Li Mufeng calmly nodded to him and agreed to his request.

“Since you are so determined, I will leave Tuoyun Mountain to you. Yuxian, you will dispatch a large flying boat to Guangling tomorrow, and then select a group of cultivators to go with him.

If the situation at Tuoyun Mountain is unfavorable, please inform us immediately and the sect will find a way to send someone to support you."

"Thank you, Master Li, for your help. I will go back and prepare a few things now, and set off for Tuoyun Mountain tomorrow!"

After Master Guangling bowed deeply to Li Mufeng, he turned around and bowed to all the Jindan elders of the sects present, then left the Xiaoyao Palace with a smile on his face.

Looking at the gray-haired Guangling Zhenren's slowly leaving back, Li Mufeng's calm face was filled with mixed emotions.

After this separation, it may be difficult for them to meet again.

The many Xiaoyao Sect elders present were also secretly excited when they saw what had just happened.

Even Master Guangling, who already had reasons to stay out of the matter and retire behind the scenes to enjoy his old age, still had the desire to serve the sect and was willing to take the risk to go to "Tuoyun Mountain" to take charge. What else could these people say?

After Master Guangling left, Li Mufeng stood up and said to everyone seriously:
"The situation of the monster army is not clear yet, no matter what, we must try our best to hold our position first.

Don't worry, this beast tide that occurs once every hundred years is not just the business of our Xiaoyao Sect. All human cultivators in the Floating Cloud Mountains need to deal with it together.

If we really encounter an unfavorable situation, the sect will also find a way to seek help from other places."

"Please rest assured, Master Li. We will fight to the death to serve the sect!" After hearing what Li Mufeng said, the many cultivators present below hurriedly expressed their loyalty to the sect in unison.

Seeing this, Li Mufeng nodded with some relief and began to make detailed arrangements for everyone.

With Master Guangling at Tuoyun Mountain, there shouldn't be any problems in the short term. Jinshanfang won't be the focus of attack by monsters, so with Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan here, the strength is almost enough.

For these two places, Li Mufeng simply asked the sect to deliver some "Feiyun Crossbows" as soon as possible to assist in the defense, and did not make too many adjustments.

On the "Iron Immortal Castle" side, Li Mufeng first arranged for Zhao Menglian to go over and help take charge. With her, a sixth-level Jindan cultivator, and the assistance of Hu Qingyun, a fake elixir cultivator, they could rely on the mountain protection formation to deal with the attacks of three to four demon kings.

As for "Guiyunfang", which was the focus of the monster army's attack, it was also the most important place that the Xiaoyao Sect could not afford to lose. Li Mufeng placed the sect's main forces here.

Including Bai Yuxian, Li Wutong, Chu Fengping, Jin Ziyuan and Fang Baixuan, all five people were arranged to take charge of "Guiyunfang". Only Chen Xuanxin who was in seclusion and Xu Ziyan who was in charge of the sect's mundane affairs were left in the sect.

After receiving the order, everyone immediately left Xiaoyao Palace and began to prepare for the upcoming brutal battle with monsters.

"Guiyunfang" and "Guyang Mountain" are connected by a teleportation array. Not long after Li Mufeng's order was issued, the teleportation array on Guyang Mountain immediately started to operate, and many monks from various sects began to go to "Guiyunfang" through the teleportation array to wait for orders.

Several giant flying boats from the Xiaoyao Sect also began to transport some important supplies needed on the battlefield to various front-line battlefields.

After obtaining the permission of the sect leader Bai Yuxian, Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan immediately went to the sect's Good Deeds Pavilion, where they took out more than a dozen second-level "Feiyun Crossbows" and some strategic materials such as formations. They then boarded the sect's large flying boat and set off together back to Funiu Mountain.

After leaving Guyang Mountain, Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan, who were standing on the flying boat, both had heavy expressions on their faces.

According to the information they got from Guyang Mountain, this time the monster riot was more serious than in the past. Even the Nascent Soul cultivators had to join the battle. They, the Jindan cultivators, had become like duckweed, unable to control their own destiny.

The flying boat had just arrived near Funiu Mountain. After Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan instructed the monks on the flying boat to transport the supplies directly to "Jinshanfang", they jumped off the flying boat and planned to return to Funiu Mountain first.

Just as the two girls arrived near the mountain gate, a white light suddenly flew out from the mountain and came to their side as they were both surprised.

"Siyuan, Qingyu, have you been okay these years."

"Seventh brother, it's really you who's back." Seeing Song Qingming in green clothes in front of them, Song Qingyu and the others were stunned for a moment, then they showed surprise on their faces and approached him.

Huang Siyuan, who was standing aside, was so excited when she saw Song Qingming, who had left the family for more than 20 years, that she couldn't help but shed a few tears.

During the years that Song Qingming was away, although Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan rarely mentioned Song Qingming, they could feel each other's concern for him.

Especially in recent years, the turmoil of monsters in the north has been getting closer and closer, but Song Qingming, the backbone of the family, has not returned yet. The pressure on Song Qingyu and others is also getting greater and greater. They always fantasize that Song Qingming can come back in time.

Now that she finally saw Song Qingming's figure appear in front of her, Huang Siyuan suddenly put down all the worries that had accumulated in her heart and leaned on Song Qingming's shoulder, fearing that this was just another dream.

"My husband, when did you come back?"

"I just came back not long ago. I heard from Yuan Fang that you went to Guyang Mountain to discuss matters. I wanted to set out to find you, but I didn't expect to see you back before I could even go out!" Hearing this, Song Qingming smiled and nodded at the two girls.

"We haven't heard from you for so many years. Qingyu and I have always been worried about you. Now we can finally feel relieved to see you return safely."

"Well! Thank you for your hard work over the years."

"Well, Brother Qi, Sister-in-law, if we keep standing here, we might be seen. How about we go back first and then you two can slowly continue your love for each other?"

Seeing Huang Siyuan and Song Qingming leaning against each other, Song Qingyu looked around and couldn't help but remind them.

"Well! What nonsense are you talking about, girl? Why don't we go back first?" After hearing Song Qingyu's reminder, Song Qingming reacted and said something to Song Qingyu awkwardly, then asked Huang Siyuan in his arms.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Huang Siyuan hurriedly left Song Qingming's shoulder, nodded with a hint of shyness, and then the three of them turned into light and returned to the "Huixian Pavilion" in Funiu Mountain together.

"Qingyu, I heard from Yuan Fang that the monsters in the northern border have begun to move south. How is the sect dealing with this?" After the three of them sat down in the "Meeting Immortal Pavilion" and chatted for a few words, Song Qingming asked Song Qingyu who was standing beside them about the results of their visit to the sect for discussion. (End of this chapter)