88: Qingmao Mountain, five major families

Just as Li Qingfeng was piloting the green bamboo shuttle and intended to fly directly over the city walls, a flash of teal sword light suddenly rose into the air about two li away from the wall, blocking his path.

A person stood upon the sword, dressed in a teal Daoist robe the color of the mountain forest. His features were handsome and clear, and his cultivation was impressively at the Qi Refinement Stage. Every movement he made carried a fresh, plant-like aura.

"Halt, traveler! Ahead is the No-fly Domain of Qingmu City. May I ask which Fellow Daoist has graced us with their presence, and what business brings you here?"

The Cultivator stabilized himself on the Flying Sword and cupped his hands in inquiry. His tone was polite enough, but his eyes were filled with scrutiny.

Li Qingfeng controlled the green bamboo shuttle to hover and responded in a clear voice:

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist! I am Li Qingfeng, the Guardian of Qingmysterious New Town under the jurisdiction of the Azure Profound Upper Sect. I have come here at the invitation of my Sect Junior Brother, Zhao Tianbao, to offer what little help I can."

"Azure Profound Upper Sect?"

Hearing this, the green-robed Cultivator's vigilance lessened slightly, and a look of realization and politeness appeared on his Face.

"So it is a distinguished Disciple of the Upper Sect. Please excuse my lack of manners! I am Guyue Qingshu of the Gu Yue Family of Mount Qingmao. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Li!"

"Fellow Daoist Ancient Moon is too polite."

"Fellow Daoist Li has come to lend a hand, and the Gu Yue Family is deeply grateful. Your fellow Disciples are currently in the city."

Guyue Qingshu's tone shifted to a professional manner.

"According to wartime regulations, I must ask you to put away your Flying Shuttle and present your Sect identity jade token for inspection. If your identity is verified, I, Green Book, will lead the way for you to reunite with Fellow Daoist Zhao and the others."

"That is only right."

Li Qingfeng nodded, showing no dissatisfaction.

With a movement, he stepped out of the shuttle. With a wave of his sleeve, he stowed the green bamboo shuttle away. Simultaneously, a jade token carved with the mountain patterns of Qingxuan and brimming with Spiritual Qi flew toward Guyue Qingshu.

Guyue Qingshu took the jade token and carefully inspected the unique spiritual power imprint and identity information. After confirming it was correct, he returned it with both hands, his smile becoming a bit more sincere.

"Identity confirmed! Please forgive my earlier offense, Fellow Daoist Li. This way, please!"

"Lead the way!"

The two immediately flew through the air, crossing over the walls of Qingmu City.

Squads of Cultivators and Martial Artists dressed in Gu Yue Family attire patrolled the walls frequently; the security was tight.

With Guyue Qingshu leading the way, the journey was unobstructed, and they arrived directly at the City Lord's Manor located in the center of the city.

The manor occupied a vast area. Most of the buildings were constructed from giant timber and green stone, appearing ancient and grand. They were faintly connected to the aura of the surrounding mountain forests and ley lines, forming a stable defensive Formation.

"Please do not take offense, Fellow Daoist. With the war about to break out, both sides had already planted many spies and moles during peacetime, so the inspections are quite strict."

Guyue Qingshu explained with a slight note of apology.

Li Qingfeng expressed his understanding:

"It is no matter. The Gu Yue Family governs the city with rigor and foresight. I have learned something today."

This response was neither humble nor arrogant, while also giving the other party Face, which greatly increased Guyue Qingshu's favorable impression of him.

Guyue Qingshu led Li Qing through numerous courtyards to a spacious hall in the rear garden.

Before they even entered, a noisy argument could be heard from within. It seemed like over a dozen people were engaged in a heated discussion.

Guyue Qingshu entered first and announced loudly:

"Everyone, we have a guest!"

As Li Qingfeng, a fresh Face, stepped into the hall, the voices inside came to an abrupt halt.

Inside the hall, over a dozen people were seated on rosewood chairs.

A dozen or so gazes shot toward him simultaneously, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, doubt, and various other emotions.

Li Qingfeng swept his gaze around and immediately spotted a familiar figure in the crowd—Zhao Tianbao.

And Zhao Tianbao saw him at almost the exact same time.

"Senior Brother Li! It's Senior Brother Li!"

Zhao Tianbao's originally furrowed brow instantly cleared like clouds parting for the sun, erupting into immense joy. He leaped up, almost lunging over, and grabbed Li Qingfeng's hand, giving him a firm hug. His voice carried a hint of exaggerated excitement.

"Senior Brother Li! I've been longing for you to arrive! You truly are my savior in a time of need!"

He then turned to Face the people in the hall, his voice suddenly rising with a pride that shared in the glory:

"Fellow Daoists! Allow me to solemnly introduce him! This is my Azure Profound Upper Sect's Blade Path Peak Inner Sect Disciple, Senior Brother Li Qingfeng!"

"Senior Brother Li is a heaven-sent talent. Back when he was at the Qi Refining First Layer, he killed a third-layer Qi Refining Red-Eyed Demon Python with a single arrow; his combat power is peerless! Furthermore, he is the only genius with a Profound Rank Upper Grade Spiritual Root in our Desolate Mountain Domain in nearly a hundred years who resolutely chose to descend the mountain to establish his own foundation!"

With his embellishment, the five other Disciples in the hall wearing Qingxuan Outer Sect robes immediately felt deep respect. They all stood up and respectfully cupped their fists in greeting:

"We pay our respects to Senior Brother Li!"

"Outer Sect Disciples Liu Jingming, Shao Hua, Han Mo, Ni Lai, and Lin Yan greet Senior Brother Li!"

They had long heard of Li Qingfeng's reputation. Now seeing him in person and sensing that sharp aura that far surpassed ordinary second-layer Qi Refining Cultivators, they felt even more awe-struck.

Li Qingfeng quickly raised his hands to gesture for them to rise. His tone was gentle yet carried an inherent authority:

"We are all fellow Disciples; there is no need for such formality. Please, take your seats."

After comforting his fellow Disciples, Zhao Tianbao enthusiastically led Li Qingfeng toward the several Family Heads with deep auras on the left side and began introducing them one by one. This time, his tone was much more serious, clearly passing important information to Li Qingfeng.

"Senior Brother Li, come, come. Let me introduce you to these famous Family Heads of the Southern Border."

He first pointed to a female Cultivator dressed in a water-blue gown, whose temperament was gentle yet carried a hint of coldness:

"This is the Family Head of the Mizusawa Bai Clan, Family Head Bai Xiting. Her mastery of water Spells is exquisite."

Bai Xiting nodded slightly, her voice clear and resonant:

"Fellow Daoist Li, I have long heard of you."

Next introduced was a sharp-eyed middle-aged man with a giant black crow lying beside him with its eyes closed, as if dozing:

"This is the Family Head of the Cold Crow Han Clan, Family Head Han Zhiyuan. His beast-taming arts are unparalleled."

Han Zhiyuan cupped his fists, his voice raspy:

"Fellow Daoist Li."

Then came a stout, steady-looking old man in yellow robes:

"The Family Head of the Thick Earth Zhang Clan, Family Head Zhang Ruipu. His earth-element Spell defenses are peerless."

Zhang Ruipu chuckled and cupped his hands:

"Fellow Daoist Li is young and promising. A pleasure to meet you."

Finally, there was a middle-aged man in a crimson brocade robe with an arrogant expression and a trace of ferocity between his brows:

"This is the Family Head of the Flame Valley Wang Clan, Family Head Wang Tianming. His fire Spells are fierce and overbearing."

Tianming merely gave a grunt, his gaze scrutinizing Li Qingfeng with a hint of dismissal.

At that moment, Zhao Tianbao's subtle Divine Sense transmission echoed in Li Qingfeng's mind:

"Senior Brother, be careful of this man. That Wang Teng who was selected in the same batch as us is from his Family! This Old Wang is extremely arrogant. He's been trying to use Wang Teng's name to pressure us and make us follow his lead. I didn't let our brothers pay him any mind."

Finally, Zhao Tianbao pointed to the guide, Guyue Qingshu:

"This one Senior Brother has already met. The current Family Head of the Gu Yue Family of Mount Qingmao and City Lord of Qingmu City, Family Head Guyue Qingshu. He is a master of wood Spells and also one of the initiators of this alliance."

Guyue Qingshu smiled and cupped his hands:

"With Fellow Daoist Li's arrival, it is like adding wings to a tiger for us."

Li Qingfeng's expression remained unchanged as he cupped his fists and returned the greetings to each Family Head with poise:

"Li Qingfeng greets Family Head Bai, Family Head Han, Old Family Head Zhang, Family Head Wang, and Family Head Ancient Moon. It is admirable that you all stand firm in the Southern Border to resist external enemies. As a newcomer, I am willing to work together with you all to overcome these difficulties."

After the round of introductions and greetings, Li Qingfeng had already gained a rough understanding of the relationships and undercurrents among the people present.

Following Zhao Tianbao to an empty seat beside him, he sat down, swept his gaze over everyone present, and said in a deep voice:

"I have arrived a step late. I wonder what the current situation is? Is there any latest news regarding the movements of the Barbarian Race?"