Sect Master’s Immortal Journey

Chapter 187: Golden Crow Lantern

Meng Zhang had heard about the famous magic tool called the Golden Crow Lantern since he was young. During the time when Taiyi Sect was still a vassal of the Flying Swan Sect, a powerful Foundation Building expert from Taiyi Sect wielded this Second Rank superior magic tool and achieved remarkable victories, earning it a great reputation. However, when the sand monsters attacked Taiyi Sect's mountain gate, the sect suffered heavy losses, and its elite disciples were decimated, pushing the sect to the brink of destruction.

Three Foundation Building cultivators managed to escape from the sect and decided to flee far away to a desolate and remote region, escorting the remaining disciples of Taiyi Sect towards the northern wilderness until they reached the territory ruled by Twin Success Valley. The last three Foundation Building cultivators of Taiyi Sect were seriously injured and close to the end of their lifespans, unable to persist for much longer. At that time, Taiyi Sect had no successors and was facing a crisis of decline.

Without any Foundation Building cultivators, it was highly unlikely that they could keep possession of this renowned magic tool, and it might even attract calamity upon the sect. Thus, the Foundation Building cultivators of Taiyi Sect decided to offer this magic tool as a gift to Twin Success Valley in exchange for becoming their vassal and receiving their protection. Since then, Taiyi Sect existed as a vassal of Twin Success Valley for over a hundred years until Meng Zhang took over as the Sect Master and Twin Success Valley was eventually destroyed, leading to Taiyi Sect gaining its independence.

During Meng Zhang's growth, some elder members of the sect often mentioned the legendary Golden Crow Lantern. Seeing the magic tool that Taiyi Sect had lost, he couldn't help but feel excited. Just when they were lacking magic tools, to regain possession of this famous magic tool was truly fortunate.

Not one to keep Meng Zhang in suspense, Gu Tanghai directly revealed the truth. "Elder Dan Yihu hopes that the Sect Masters will join forces again to attack the original territory of Twin Success Valley and reclaim the Date Spice Oasis. As for this magic tool left by the Taiyi Sect ancestors, it is a gift for Sect Master Meng."

Upon hearing Gu Tanghai's words, Meng Zhang immediately calmed down and looked at him meaningfully. He remembered how Gu Tanghai had presented the core formation disc of Twin Success Valley's defensive formation when they conquered Singing Sand City. Now, Gu Tanghai was acting as a mediator for Twin Success Valley's remnants, indicating that he had a connection with them. Furthermore, Gu Tanghai was also linked with the Forest Mountain School, which was under the influence of Forest Spring Watch. Twin Success Valley's remnants held great hatred towards their annihilators, the Flying Swan Sect, and their second-highest enmity was towards the opportunistic Forest Spring Watch, which took advantage of their downfall.

Gu Tanghai seemed to have good relations with both Twin Success Valley's remnants and Forest Spring Watch. He played both sides and was indeed a formidable character.

While Meng Zhang had been wary of Gu Tanghai, he didn't immediately accept the proposal and used delaying tactics. He mentioned the urgency of going to war again just three years after the previous conflict and said he needed time to consider the matter. Regarding the gift, he humbly claimed he felt undeserving of such a generous offering.

Seeing through Meng Zhang's thoughts, Gu Tanghai advised him, "Let me be straightforward, Meng Zhang. The other factions have already agreed to the conditions set by Elder Dan Yihu. Now, it's only your answer they are waiting for. I'm not good at hiding my thoughts; if there's anything I have to say, I'll say it directly. Golden Blade Sect and Qiaoshou Sect have already received a Lesser Foundation Building Pill each. You can rest assured to accept this magic tool, Sect Master Meng. As for Forest Mountain School, they are acting on the orders of Forest Spring Watch, trying to test the attitude and bottom line of Flying Swan Sect. Rest assured, this time's campaign is absolutely safe and just a formality. Flying Swan Sect won't easily interfere."

After hearing that the other factions had agreed, and considering that Forest Spring Watch had an edge in judging the situation due to their backing from Forest Spring Watch, Meng Zhang's doubts began to fade. If Flying Swan Sect had intended to interfere, they would have done so three years ago when Liu Family and Green Bamboo Mountain were defeated. Since Flying Swan Sect had remained inactive for three years, it seemed they were wary of Guang ZhiDaoist Master and reluctant to act easily.

The original territory of Twin Success Valley was richer than all the vassal territories combined, and both Golden Blade Sect and Qiaoshou Sect coveted it. Meng Zhang couldn't help but feel envious as well. Setting aside his concerns about Flying Swan Sect, Meng Zhang eventually agreed to the proposal.

After arranging a date for the campaign with Gu Tanghai, Meng Zhang left with the Golden Crow Lantern. Back at Taiyi Sect, he summoned the Deep Earth Spirit General, who had already restored his Foundation Building strength. Together, they studied the magic tool and confirmed that there were no issues. Feeling good about regaining the magic tool lost by his sect's ancestors, Meng Zhang, who was in need of a magic tool, began to refine the Golden Crow Lantern.

A few days later, two old friends, Lin Bailin from Forest Spring Watch and Xu Chengxian, the Sect Master of Forest Mountain School, secretly visited Taiyi Sect. Several years had passed, and Meng Zhang had become a high and mighty Foundation Building cultivator, while Lin Bailin and Xu Chengxian were still in the Refining Qi stage.

Xu Chengxian appeared somewhat reserved and eager to please, lacking the demeanor of a senior, while Lin Bailin remained composed and treated Meng Zhang as he always had. Meng Zhang preferred Lin Bailin's attitude. Additionally, Meng Zhang observed that Xu Chengxian was already advanced in years and lacked the sharpness required to achieve Foundation Building in this lifetime. On the other hand, Lin Bailin had a solid foundation and cultivation base, and his true qi was quite refined. It wouldn't be long before he attempted to break through to the Foundation Building stage.

After some pleasantries, Xu Chengxian revealed the purpose of their visit. They wanted to purchase the white hidden earth mined by Taiyi Sect, preferably with white hidden earth crystals. Since Guang ZhiDaoist Master had used the Heavenly Rainfall to form the core, the use of white hidden earth had become widely known throughout the Endless Sea of Sand. The secret that Flying Swan Sect had guarded for many years was now almost common knowledge.

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