43: Sect Conference and Soul Gathering Fragments

On the mountain peak of Qingyun Sect, shrouded in mist, stood an ancient and simple grand hall. This was the Hall of Gathering Sages, the venue for the Eastern Domain Sect Assembly.

Inside the hall, more than fifty leaders from various major Sects in the Eastern Domain were gathered, seven of whom were Golden Core Stage Cultivators. Their Auras clashed, making the air in the hall heavy.

Liu Shan sat at the last seat. Although his status was not as high as the various Sect Masters and Elders, his achievements in slaying Blood Butcher and thwarting the Soul Devouring Sect earned him everyone's respect. The black scale on his chest was slightly warm, and the golden light spot in his Sea of Consciousness floated quietly, as if it too was observing this assembly that would decide the fate of the Eastern Domain.

Daoist Feng sat in the main seat, surveying the entire hall, and said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoists, I believe you all know the reason for gathering here—the Netherworld Sect has colluded with the Soul Devouring Sect, attempting to gain control of the Eastern Domain. This matter concerns the safety of all Sects and cannot be taken lightly."

As soon as his voice fell, a red-faced burly man angrily said, "What is the Netherworld Sect? How dare it run wild in our Eastern Domain? Daoist Feng, just tell us how to fight, and my Blazing Fire Sect is willing to be the vanguard!"

He was the Sect Leader of the Blazing Fire Sect, with a fiery temper, and hated the arrogance of the Demonic Path the most.

"Sect Leader Lie, please calm down." An old man in a Daoist robe slowly spoke. He was the Master of the "Purple Sun Temple," a Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Middle Stage. "The Netherworld Sect has a Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Late Stage in charge; its power far exceeds that of the Soul Devouring Sect. A head-on confrontation is by no means the best strategy."

"Then, according to Temple Master's opinion, what should be done?" someone asked.

The Purple Sun Temple Master pondered, "The most urgent task is to form the 'Eastern Domain Alliance,' integrate the power of all Sects, share intelligence, and unify command. After we ascertain the true strength of the Netherworld Sect, we can then act opportunistically."

This proposal coincided with the strategy of the Wangyue Alliance and immediately gained the approval of most people.

But some hesitated, "Forming an Alliance is easy, but who will lead it? Each major Sect has its own agenda, so it might be difficult to coordinate."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall instantly fell silent.

The position of leader concerned the distribution of resources and the right to speak. All major Sects wanted to contend for it, making it difficult to decide for a while.

Daoist Feng looked at Liu Shan, with a hint of expectation in his eyes, "Fellow Daoist Liu, you are a direct participant in this matter, and you also killed Blood Butcher of the Soul Devouring Sect. You understand the Netherworld Sect best, so why not share your thoughts?"

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Liu Shan.

Liu Shan stood up, his expression calm, "Junior believes that the Alliance must have a highly respected and powerful leader to command respect. Daoist Feng has profound Cultivation, and Qingyun Sect is the largest Sect in the Eastern Domain. It is most suitable for Daoist Feng to serve as the leader."

He paused and continued, "As for coordination, an Elder Council can be established, composed of Golden Core Stage Cultivators from various major Sects, to jointly discuss and make decisions. This can ensure efficiency and accommodate the interests of all parties."

This proposal both elevated the Qingyun Sect and considered the interests of other Sects, which could be described as killing two birds with one stone.

A hint of approval flashed in Daoist Feng's eyes, and the leaders of other Sects also nodded in agreement.

"Fellow Daoist Liu is absolutely right!"

"I agree to have Daoist Feng as the leader!"

"The proposal for the Elder Council is also very good!"

Just as things were about to be settled, a cold sneer suddenly came from outside the hall, "A bunch of short-sighted fools, do you even deserve to talk about an Alliance?"

Everyone's expressions darkened, and they looked in the direction of the voice.

They saw a middle-aged Cultivator in a black robe, who had appeared outside the hall at some point, exuding a chilling Aura. He was actually a Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Late Stage!

"It's someone from the Netherworld Sect!" someone exclaimed.

The black-robed Cultivator sneered, strode into the hall, and his gaze swept over everyone, full of disdain, "Do you think you can stop my Sect from unifying the Eastern Domain? You're simply dreaming!"

"Audacious madman! How dare you trespass into my Qingyun Sect!" Li Muran roared, his spiritual power surging around him.

"A mere Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Early Stage, dares to shout in front of this Venerable One?" The black-robed Cultivator sneered dismissively, casually waving his sleeve.

A powerful surge of Qi erupted, and Li Muran was instantly sent flying, spitting blood!

The pressure of a Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Late Stage was like dark clouds pressing down, enveloping the entire hall. Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators couldn't even stand steadily!

"You dog of the Netherworld Sect, how dare you act so presumptuously here!" Daoist Feng stood up, releasing the pressure of his Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Middle Stage to contend with the black-robed Cultivator, "Your Excellency, you trespassed into my Qingyun Sect and injured my Disciple. Do you really think my Qingyun Sect has no one?"

"Daoist Feng?" The black-robed Cultivator sneered, "You can't stop this Venerable One. I came today to give you a chance—those who surrender live, those who resist die!"

"Dream on!" Daoist Feng roared, taking the lead in attacking. A green sword light, like a giant Dragon, slashed towards the black-robed Cultivator!

"A mere speck of light, dares to shine?" The black-robed Cultivator sneered dismissively, striking out with a palm. The black spiritual power transformed into a giant claw, tearing apart the green sword light!

"Boom!"

The two instantly engaged in battle. The clash of Golden Core Stage Cultivators made the entire hall shake violently. The surrounding Cultivators retreated, fearing to be affected by the aftermath!

Liu Shan's eyes narrowed. He could feel that the black-robed Cultivator's strength was more than a notch stronger than Blood Butcher's! Although Daoist Feng resisted with all his might, he gradually fell into a disadvantage!

"Can't wait any longer!" A thought flashed through Liu Shan's mind, and he gave a look to Liu Zhi and several Alliance Cultivators beside him.

Liu Zhi immediately understood and quietly circled to the black-robed Cultivator's side and rear.

"Mochu, help me pinpoint his weakness!" Liu Shan called out in his Sea of Consciousness.

The golden light spot flickered gently, and Spirit Vision operated at full power, capturing the black-robed Cultivator's spiritual power flow—there was a subtle stagnation in the spiritual power circulation at his right rib, which was clearly an old injury!

"Found it!"

A sharp glint flashed in Liu Shan's eyes. The Thunderclap Saber instantly unsheathed, and the power of the Cloud Cauldron and Cloud Cauldron True Fire were simultaneously injected into the saber!

"Thunderclap—Slash!"

The golden saber light, like lightning piercing through darkness, carried an unstoppable Aura, precisely slashing towards the black-robed Cultivator's right rib!

"Hmm?" The black-robed Cultivator's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator to dare to ambush him, and at such a tricky angle!

He hurriedly returned his palm to defend, but it was already too late!

"Pfft!"

The golden saber light split open his defense, leaving a deep, bone-visible wound on his right rib. The Cloud Cauldron True Fire adhered to the wound, sizzling, instantly disrupting his spiritual power!

"You're courting death!" The black-robed Cultivator roared, turning around and striking a palm towards Liu Shan!

"Father! Be careful!" Liu Zhi roared, his Wind Shadow Sword, carrying a stream of light, pierced towards the black-robed Cultivator's eyes, forcing him to defend!

Daoist Feng also seized the opportunity, launching a full-power attack. The green sword light pierced through the black-robed Cultivator's left shoulder!

"Ah—!"

The black-robed Cultivator screamed. Severely wounded in two places, his spiritual power completely chaotic, he no longer dared to stay and fight. He glared venomously at Liu Shan, "Boy, just you wait! The Netherworld Sect's army is coming; I will tear you into ten thousand pieces!"

He transformed into a black light and fled from the Qingyun Sect in a sorry state.

The crisis was resolved, and the hall was silent.

Everyone looked at Liu Shan in shock—a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator, actually able to injure a Golden Core Stage Cultivator in the Late Stage? This was simply unbelievable!

Daoist Feng gasped for breath, his gaze at Liu Shan filled with shock and admiration, "Fellow Daoist Liu, thank you for your help."

"It was my duty." Liu Shan put away his Thunderclap Saber. That strike had almost exhausted his spiritual power.

After this incident, the leaders of the various major Sects had no more objections and expressed their willingness to join the Alliance and obey Daoist Feng's command.

The Sect Assembly concluded successfully, and the Eastern Domain Alliance was officially established. Daoist Feng served as the leader, and Liu Shan, due to his achievements in slaying Blood Butcher and severely injuring the black-robed Cultivator, was exceptionally appointed as the Alliance's Deputy Leader, participating in core decision-making.

After the assembly, Daoist Feng fulfilled his promise and led Liu Shan into the Qingyun Sect's treasury.

The treasury was located deep within the mountain, protected by layers of Formations, containing countless rare medicinal herbs, Ores, and Cultivation Technique Jade Slips.

In the deepest part of the treasury, inside a crystal cover, lay a palm-sized golden fragment.

The fragment was engraved with complex patterns, emitting a faint but pure Soul fluctuation. It was indeed a soul gathering lamp fragment!

"This is a soul gathering lamp fragment," Daoist Feng said. "Legend has it that there are seven fragments of the Soul Gathering Lamp in total. When all are gathered, one can re-gather their Divine Soul. Unfortunately, only this one has been found over the years."

Liu Shan walked to the crystal cover, extended his hand, and gently touched the cover.

The moment his hand touched the crystal cover, the black scale on his chest suddenly became hot, and the golden light spot in his Sea of Consciousness flickered violently!

The soul gathering lamp fragment seemed to sense something and also burst forth with dazzling golden light!

The two golden lights echoed each other across the space, forming a golden bridge!

Liu Shan could clearly feel that the golden light spot was absorbing the power of the soul gathering lamp fragment, becoming increasingly solid!

"This is..." Daoist Feng watched this scene in surprise.

Liu Shan was extremely excited and bowed deeply to Daoist Feng, "Daoist Feng, I earnestly request to borrow this fragment!"

Daoist Feng looked at Liu Shan, then at the echoing fragment and light spot, a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes, and he sighed, "Alright, this item is fated with you. You may take it for research. Remember, it must be returned in three months."

"Thank you, Daoist Feng!" Liu Shan excitedly took the crystal cover, carefully holding the soul gathering lamp fragment.

He could feel that Mochu's remnant Soul was rapidly recovering. Perhaps in less than three months, he would be able to condense a complete consciousness!

When they left the treasury, the sun was shining brightly.

Liu Shan held the crystal cover as if he were holding the most precious treasure in the world.

Liu Zhi and Lin Qingxue waited outside. Seeing the soul gathering lamp fragment in his hand, they all smiled.

"Father, you succeeded!" Liu Zhi said excitedly.

"Yes." Liu Shan smiled and nodded, his heart filled with hope.

Mochu, just a little longer.

Soon, we will truly be reunited.

For the next three months, Liu Shan would cultivate in seclusion at Qingyun Sect, on one hand researching the soul gathering lamp fragment to help Mochu recover, and on the other hand assisting Daoist Feng in integrating the Alliance's forces to deal with the Netherworld Sect's threat.

The situation in the Eastern Domain became even more turbulent due to the Netherworld Sect's intervention.