Cultivation: Fortune by Lots

Chapter 634: 284. Taoist Body, The Five Primordial Extremities (Section 2 of Chapter 2 in one)

He gazed at the black fog shrouding the mountain region and fell into deep thought.

Prince Zhang seemed to discern his thoughts and asked, "Shangguan intends to venture in to ascertain the situation?"

The black fog not only obscured vision but also affected the perception of Cultivators.

Without understanding the details within, neither personnel from the Tang Imperial Court nor those from the Southern Witch Sect dared to venture deep into the fog for exploration.

Previously, the expansion of the black fog was minimal or relatively contained. Hence, everyone preferred to monitor and observe from the periphery as a safety precaution.

However, after consecutive incidents at Youning Lake and Zhuoqing Mountain, with black fog ravaging place after place within the Mortal World, people like Grand General Shangguan Yunbo could no longer sit idly by.

"Indeed, I have such an intention."

Shangguan Yunbo nodded. "What about Your Highness’s idea?"

Instead of answering, Zhang Luo questioned, "What about Gepo Mountain and the other Sacred Lands of the Southern Witch Sect?"

Shangguan Yunbo replied, "Gepo Mountain has essentially agreed, but Samsara Abyss and Yintuo Mountain are still hesitating."

Zhang Luo looked toward Zhuoqing Mountain. "Shangguan, remain calm and patient. It might be wise to wait a little longer. Once General Ye arrives, it would be good to hear his opinion as well."

Shangguan Yunbo nodded. "Your Highness is right. Considering that Ye Wendong met his fate due to this, we naturally have to take into account the feelings of the Cangzhou side."

Lei Jun listened quietly from the side, his face as calm as a still lake.

Though Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Luo spoke politely, their actions were far from courteous.

Whatever regard they professed to have for the feelings of the Cangzhou Ye Clan, the members of the Ye Clan were not the least bit grateful.

In fact, many were inwardly cursing them.

But despite the cursing, a large number of Ye Clan Cultivators headed southward, rushing to the Southern Wilderness.

The leader among them was an armor-clad, elderly general with a refined and scholarly appearance, yet a tall and imposing figure—an undeniable veteran general with a commanding aura.

His name was Ye Morong, one of the Great Tang Shenji Army’s leading generals, a military giant just under Grand General Shangguan Yunbo.

At the same time, he was also one of the family elders of the Cangzhou Ye Clan and the representative of the Cangzhou Ye Clan in the Great Tang Imperial Court.

He was not a mere Martial Artist but a master of the Confucian Divine Archery Lineage, having achieved Eightfold Heaven Complete and cultivated Expanding Four Territories as a Confucian general.

The world is shared between the nobility and the Emperor.

This phrase manifested in many aspects.

Even though noble families had been relatively low-key in their actions in recent years, their influence remained profound in all areas.

The notable Confucian scholars of the Great Tang included the four Great Scholars of the Ninth Heavenly Layer of this age: Ye Moquan, Chu Xiuyuan, Ye Yan, and Fang Jingsheng, who broke through two years ago. All of them were Confucian Scholars.

Therefore, Ye Morong, who was currently at Eightfold Heaven Complete, could be considered one of the top masters of the Confucian Divine Archery Lineage of this age.

Besides, Ye Jiong, the second-in-command of the Qingzhou Ye Clan and a veteran general of the Great Tang Shenji Army, was also a top-tier archer of the Divine Archery discipline.

The two of them represented the influence of the noble families within the Tang military, echoing the influence of figures like Fang Hezhou and Chu Lin in the Imperial Court from afar.

Due to the path of Cultivation they practiced, the threat they might pose could, in certain situations, surpass their Cultivation Realms.

Apart from their personal strength, Ye Morong and Ye Jiong also wielded tremendous influence over the soldiers under their command.

Their direct lineages included not only scions from the East and West Liang Ye but also a large number of scions from related smaller families who had joined the military.

However, both of them typically maintained a low profile.

In the current general environment where noble families focused on cultivation and recuperation, Ye Morong appeared to be even more inconspicuous.

But no one would truly disregard him.

Still, on the surface, everyone maintained the past tacit agreement.

This time, however, the Tang Imperial Court justifiably summoned Ye Morong and his direct lineage to head south together.

Whether considering the broader context of the noble families restoring relations with the Tang Imperial Court or investigating the death of the important family elder, Ye Liang, Ye Morong had no choice but to come this time.

Avoid suspicions?

The Tang Imperial Court expressed full confidence in General Ye, stating there was nothing to avoid.

Accustomed to crises and remaining unflustered, Ye Morong came to the Southern Wilderness with a composed expression and first met with Prince Zhang and Grand General Shangguan Yunbo.

As to whether he was internally lamenting the injustice of heaven or cursing the unexpected calamity, only he himself knew.

Neither Shangguan Yunbo nor Prince Zhang had any intention of merely using the other party as cannon fodder, lest it backfire and provoke other complications.

The last thing the Tang Imperial Court wanted was for rebels to emerge everywhere—the more they suppressed, the more would appear.

Shangguan Yunbo and Zhang Luo just did not want the Cangzhou Ye Clan to remain too idle in the rear.

With Ye Morong leading the troops to aid, Shangguan Yunbo planned to enter the black fog beneath Zhuoqing Mountain with him for exploration.

They immediately sprang into action.

Prince Zhang remained outside, coordinating with other parties and providing strategic support.

Yuan Mobai also hastened to the periphery of Zhuoqing Mountain.

"Elder Yuan, you’ve worked hard. Is there news of the rebel Fu Dongsen at Zicha Ridge?" asked Zhang Luo.

Yuan Mobai nodded. "Indeed. Master Jiasheng from the Xumi Vajra Sect is still in pursuit. I arrived a step too late to lend a hand, so I stayed at Zicha Ridge to investigate."

Zhang Luo asked, "Oh? Any discoveries?"

Yuan Mobai, appearing extremely forthright as he spoke, said, "I have obtained a bit, perhaps concerning the reason for Fu Dongsen’s appearance there, but at the moment it is only a fragment of a clue. With my modest Cultivation, I have yet to grasp its essence. I plan to send it back to the Ancestral Courtyard of the Sect and refine it with the Altar of Wanfa Sect. Perhaps more will be revealed."

As he spoke, he handed a Spirit Talisman to Lei Jun, who was beside him, saying, "This teacher will stay here to assist His Highness Prince Zhang. Chongyun, please take this talisman back to the mountain and ask the Sect Leader to decide."

Lei Jun took it. "Yes, Master."

Zhang Luo looked at Yuan Mobai and then at Lei Jun, sighing, "A promising future awaits the esteemed teacher and student, and your sect is indeed blessed with abundant talent!"

Yuan Mobai and Lei Jun both responded with an acknowledgment of the compliment.

"I have long heard of Taoist Lei’s Mysterious Thunder, and now to learn that Taoist Lei has newly crafted a Dharma is indeed impressive," Zhang Luo remarked.