143: Qingyun Sect

The three of them looked at each other in silence; the fragmented clues were like scattered puzzle pieces, yet they could not form a complete picture.

Su Sizhu sighed softly, "These pieces of information are too scattered. It seems we must return to the Sect and consult an Elder to understand what is going on."

Three streaks of Escaping Light pierced through the clouds, and the mountain gate of the Tianxuan Sect was already faintly visible.

Just as they were about to land, a deep blue trail cut through the sky, and a woman in white as snow blocked their path.

Lu Yuchan stood upon the Xuan Shuang Tian Yu, her gaze sweeping over the three of them before finally settling on Lin Feng. "There is no need to enter the Sect. Lin Feng, prepare immediately and head to the Qingyun Sect."

Luo Linger and Su Sizhu were both startled. Su Sizhu hurried forward, "Martial Uncle Lu, we have just uncovered important clues about the Hehuan Sect refining the spirit bewitching pill..."

Lu Yuchan nodded slightly, "This matter is to be handled entirely by the two of you; just report the details to the Sect Head."

She turned to Lin Feng and continued, "On this trip to Xuanlei Valley, did you Revered Master the Seven Heavens Thunder Lure?"

Lin Feng nodded calmly, and a wisp of pure thunder light danced at his fingertips.

"So Junior Brother Lin's thunder technique is actually the Seven Heavens Thunder Lure..." Luo Linger murmured, "No wonder it is so powerful!"

Su Sizhu also frowned slightly, lost in thought.

A flash of satisfaction appeared in Lu Yuchan's eyes. "The Qingyun Sect sent a 'Discussion of Formations Invitation' the day before yesterday, inviting our Sect to send a Disciple for a three-year exchange on Formations. On this trip to Qingyun, you must study with a focused heart and not fail the Sect's trust."

Lin Feng's mind raced, and he immediately understood that this was both an opportunity and a heavy responsibility. The Qingyun Sect was famous for its Formations, and this trip would allow him to systematically study Formation knowledge. He bowed immediately, "Disciple accepts the order. I will certainly study with a focused heart and not fail Revered Master's heavy trust."

Lu Yuchan flicked her finger, and an ice jade token landed in Lin Feng's hand. "This is the token of proof and the travel map. Fellow Daoists from the Qingyun Sect will receive you."

After speaking, the light of the Xuan Shuang Tian Yu flashed, and Lu Yuchan's figure had already vanished into the sky.

Lin Feng turned around, "Senior Sister Su, Senior Sister Luo, I will have to trouble you both with the follow-up investigation."

Su Sizhu looked at Lin Feng with a complex expression, "The Qingyun Sect's Formations are profound; take care on this trip..."

Luo Linger handed over a Storage Pouch and smiled, "Junior Brother Lin, inside are some spirit plants illustrations and anti-miasma Medicinal Pills I've compiled. The Qingyun Sect is located in the Starfall Mountain Range, so they might be useful. Remember, while studying Formations, please also keep an eye out for any unique spirit plants there for me."

"Thank you, Senior Sister." Lin Feng put away the Storage Pouch, solemnly bade farewell to the two of them, then turned and transformed into a streak of Escaping Light, following the guidance of the map directly toward the Qingyun Sect.

Three days later, Lin Feng followed the travel map and passed through the swirling clouds. The scene ahead suddenly opened up, causing him to involuntarily hold his breath.

The Starfall Mountain Range truly lived up to its name. The surface of the rocks was covered in pits and depressions, shimmering with a cold, hard luster. These were likely marks left behind by star fragments falling here, colliding with the earth, and melting.

Lin Feng lowered the wine immortal gourd and landed steadily on the platform in front of the Welcoming Guest Peak. The platform was polished from a single piece of dark blue 'Starfall Stone,' smooth as a mirror, and one could faintly see fine silver light flowing within.

"Are you Junior Brother Lin Feng from the Tianxuan Sect?" A sweet voice rang out.

Lin Feng turned his head to see a woman dressed in moon-white Daoist robes standing quietly three steps behind him. Her face was beautiful and elegant, and there was a sense of calm between her brows that made one forget the mundane upon seeing her.

Lin Feng knew this must be the person sent by the Qingyun Sect to receive him, so he cupped his hands in a salute, "I am Lin Feng of the Tianxuan Sect, here by the order of my Revered Master, Lu Yuchan, for an exchange and study at your esteemed Sect. May I ask how to address you, Senior Sister?"

The woman smiled slightly and returned the salute, "Greetings, Junior Brother Lin. My surname is Qu, Qu Yunshang. My Revered Master, Venerable Qingxu, was very pleased to learn that Martial Uncle Lu had recommended a talented Disciple to come, and specifically ordered me to wait here."

Lin Feng understood in his heart; it turned out his Revered Master had already made the arrangements in advance. He spoke again, his tone becoming more solemn, "So it is Senior Sister Qu. I am ashamed to have troubled you to wait here. This is my first visit; if there are any improprieties, I hope Senior Sister will offer guidance."

A flash of appreciation crossed Qu Yunshang's eyes; this Junior Brother from the Tianxuan Sect was not only composed in demeanor but also quite thoughtful in his manners. She stepped aside to lead the way and said, "Junior Brother Lin is too polite. Please follow me; the Sect Head is waiting at the Star Gazing Hall, and he must have been looking forward to the talented person recommended by Martial Uncle Lu."

"Please lead the way, Senior Sister Qu." Lin Feng nodded and followed half a step behind Qu Yunshang.

Stepping onto the winding stone stairs, Lin Feng's gaze swept over the stone pedestals on both sides of the path, and his brows furrowed slightly. These pedestals appeared to be placed randomly, but with his years of experience in studying Formations, he could faintly feel that each pedestal was like a precise node, connected to the starlight falling from the sky and the ley lines of the mountain range beneath his feet. They did not exist in isolation but formed an energy network covering the entire mountain gate.

The more he looked, the more shocked he became. When ordinary Sects set up Formations, they were mostly independent Formations used to guard important halls. But here, from the stone steps beneath his feet to the seemingly natural rock arrangements in the distance... everything, man-made and natural, seemed to be incorporated into the operation of a single Formation System.

He couldn't help but look up at the ancient Star Gazing Hall at the peak. Could it be that this entire Qingyun Sect was actually a giant, perpetually operating Formation that used heaven and earth as its Foundation and the stars as its conduit?

Entering the hall, Lin Feng looked up and saw an elderly man with a refined, thin face dressed in dark blue Daoist robes with star patterns, sitting in the main seat. He naturally exuded the pressure of a Late Core Formation Stage Cultivator; this was none other than the Qingyun Sect Leader, Venerable Qingxu. Seeing Lin Feng, he nodded slightly, his gaze peaceful.

"Junior Lin Feng of the Tianxuan Sect pays respects to Sect Head." Lin Feng stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and handed over the ice jade token given by his Revered Master, Lu Yuchan.

Venerable Qingxu took the token, scanned it with his Divine Sense, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "I have received Fellow Daoist Lu's communication talisman. Junior Martial Nephew Lin, there is no need for such formalities. My Qingyun Sect was founded on the humble skill of Formations, and it is a fortunate event to be able to exchange and verify knowledge with the Tianxuan Sect. In the next three years, I hope you will gain much here."

Venerable Qingxu's voice was gentle yet carried an unquestionable majesty. Just as he finished speaking, a slightly cold and hard voice came from the side of the hall:

"Exchange and study is naturally a good thing. But the path of Formations values a solid Foundation and gradual progress above all else. I wonder, Junior Martial Nephew Lin, how much do you know about Formations and astrology?"

Lin Feng turned his head at the sound to see an elderly man in simple grey robes standing by a hall pillar, though he hadn't noticed when he arrived. The old man had a rigid face and eyes as sharp as an eagle's; his hands were behind his back, and he was scrutinizing him.

Lin Feng felt a slight tremor in his heart. The old man's aura was heavy and condensed, his spiritual power hidden and not revealed; his cultivation was far above his own, and he was clearly a person who enforced rules and had a rigorous character. His expression remained unchanged, and he answered with a calm bow:

"Replying to Elder, this Junior has only browsed some basic classics on Formations and astrology in the Myriad Laws Pavilion of the Tianxuan Sect before, knowing only the superficial knowledge and not having delved deeply. This time, I have come precisely for systematic study and mutual exchange."

The grey-robed Elder's brows tightened immediately upon hearing this, and he turned his gaze to Venerable Qingxu. "Sect Head Senior Brother, what does the Tianxuan Sect mean by this? Fellow Daoist Lu Yuchan's message only said she was recommending a Disciple to come and exchange on the Dao of Formations. I thought it was some talented person who was proficient in this path."

"But now they have sent a Disciple who only knows the surface-level knowledge. This... how am I supposed to arrange this? The Formation Pavilion is a restricted area; are we to teach from scratch?"