Chapter 895: The Conditions of Ling Mountain

After setting up the soundproof barrier, Zhong Shengguang asked He Lingchuan, "Were you attacked?" This young man's cultivation is quite impressive now; he fought fiercely with the river bandits, and there was no word of him being injured.

"We encountered Fu Shanlie." Lu Xun also gave a thumbs-up, saying, "Having just experienced a major battle, I've finally witnessed the combat prowess of the Great Wind Army. It truly lives up to its reputation."

"His subordinates are from the Yuheng Army, not the Great Wind Army," Zhong Shengguang corrected instinctively, then asked He Lingchuan, "What happened?"

He Lingchuan then recounted the ambush by Fu Shanlie on their journey, reporting the casualties on both sides. Zhong Shengguang remained noncommittal after hearing it, but Lu Xun remarked, "Commander He is a young talent; in time, he will surely become a leader in his own right."

"That depends on whether he has the ability to quell the banditry," Zhong Shengguang said with a paternal tone, turning to He Lingchuan. "Within seven days, the Emperor's Dew will descend three times consecutively. I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow. By then, you must ensure the safety and security of Yuheng City and its nearby villages and towns. At this critical juncture, avoid any unrest. Can you handle it, or do you need assistance?"

"Three times? That many?" He Lingchuan immediately replied, "No need, it's a small matter." As the commander of Yuheng City, he bore undeniable responsibility for the city's public order and riot control.

The descent of the Emperor's Dew was a great temptation for all living beings, and riots could easily erupt in crowded areas. Since Yuheng City had received the warning, they needed to prepare in advance to minimize losses and disputes. Furthermore, He Lingchuan knew well that these frequent descents of the Emperor's Dew might be due to the Penal Dragon Pillars, disseminated by Shao Jian, beginning to take effect, leading to gods slaughtering each other. When gods fell, humanity prospered.

Lu Xun, on the other hand, felt fortunate. "It's a good thing I'm not at sea," he said, "otherwise, when the Emperor's Dew arrives, all sorts of deep-sea leviathans would be drawn to the surface." With these several showers of spiritual rain, it was unknown how many ships would be lost in the ocean. But he was also curious: "The predictions for the Emperor's Dew have always been accurate; for hundreds of years, only Beijia has been able to achieve this."

Zhong Shengguang immediately caught the implication in his words: "Ultimately, only gods can make such calculations. Beijia has the Gods of Lingxu, and here, we have the god Mitian." Mitian knows when gods fall; with a slight calculation, she knows when the Emperor's Dew will descend upon the mortal realm. The Gods of Lingxu are the same.

Lu Xun indeed showed no surprise, only asking, "Brother Zhong, when did you begin appeasing the gods?" The topic was always a heavy one, and Zhong Shengguang said expressionlessly, "It's been almost six years." He had defended Panlong City alone for twelve years, and finding himself unable to continue, he sought Mitian's help. This year was already the end of Panlong City's seventeenth year, more than five years since Mitian's first divine descent.

Hearing this, He Lingchuan suddenly realized that Panlong City's demise was now less than fifteen years away. Lu Xun then asked, "Has Mitian never deceived or misled Panlong City?"

"Not so far."

"What about exploitation?" Lu Xun continued. "Mitian's divine descents must have a purpose, right? No celestial god is truly benevolent." He Lingchuan's gaze narrowed slightly. Lu Xun also knew about celestial gods? The common perception of celestial gods was that they were high above, listening to all beings.

"She harbors hatred for the Gods of Lingxu and also wishes to establish her own influence in the mortal realm," Zhong Shengguang replied. "I believe that on this point, Mitian and I have a basis for cooperation."

"On what point?"

"Gods interfering in the mortal realm cause endless calamities, and they also cut off our path to transcendence," Zhong Shengguang stated emphatically. "I intend to sever this dark hand!" It was the first time He Lingchuan had heard the highest authority of Panlong City express himself so openly. Zhong Shengguang indeed possessed such ambition, truly worthy of being the successor entrusted with King Yuan's relics. But with Zhong Shengguang's shrewdness, why would he mention such a secret ambition to Lu Xun, whom he was meeting for the first time?

Lu Xun's expression became solemn, and he nodded slowly. Zhong Shengguang then asked, "Mr. Lu, what is the 'Spiritual Mountain's' reaction to my proposal?" He Lingchuan's heart skipped a beat. The Spiritual Mountain? He was surprised to hear those two words from Zhong Shengguang.

In reality, he had already dealt with the Spiritual Mountain. Whether it was Fang Canran, who caused chaos in Lingxu City, or Rongshan, who helped him on his mission to Yuan Country and provided him with manpower, they were all members of the Spiritual Mountain. Through the vague explanation of Elder Xue from Rongshan, He Lingchuan knew that the "Spiritual Mountain" was not just a Daoist sect, but an organization that connected many like-minded cultivators, even including immortals. Judging by the attitudes of Lingxu City and the Heavenly Palace, they were quite wary of the Spiritual Mountain.

But Panlong City, isolated in a corner, also had ties with the Spiritual Mountain? What proposal had Zhong Shengguang made to the Spiritual Mountain? What surprised He Lingchuan most was the relationship between the Lu family and the Spiritual Mountain. From their conversation, it seemed Lu Xun had traveled all this way to meet Zhong Shengguang on behalf of the Spiritual Mountain. This was food for thought.

He Lingchuan had never imagined that his original body's ancestor from over a hundred years ago was also a member of the Spiritual Mountain. However, upon closer thought, Bailie was originally an immortal sect that later became a nation, only to be driven out by Beijia. There must have been enmity between them. The people of Bailie then migrated east of Mu Country, where numerous Daoist sects flourished, likely serving as vanguards against Beijia. Considering all this, it seemed reasonable that the leader of the Bailie people was connected to the Spiritual Mountain.

Lu Xun let out a soft breath. "Brother Zhong, your resolve to resist is firm, and Panlong City has repelled enemies for over a decade. Your actions align with your words, and you have not forgotten your original aspiration. I deeply admire that."

"The Spiritual Mountain has observed Panlong City for many years and has seen all this, but there is one concern—" He paused here, and Zhong Shengguang already understood. "Mitian?"

"Precisely. Heavenly demons are enemies of the Spiritual Mountain, yet Panlong City is closely associated with Mitian. These recent Emperor's Dew predictions are proof," Lu Xun added. "Heavenly demons are neither trustworthy nor reliable; this is a lesson learned with the blood of ancient immortals and the current Spiritual Mountain."

"Therefore, if Panlong City cannot sever its ties with Mitian, and if it cannot draw a clear line from her, the Spiritual Mountain may not be able to accept Brother Zhong and Panlong City." Lu Xun's unspoken implication was clear, though he did not voice it directly: Appeasing gods was a great taboo. Beijia appeased gods, and Panlong City did too; both bowed to deities and borrowed divine power. What, then, fundamentally differentiated them? Original intentions could change, and human hearts could waver. The Spiritual Mountain was unwilling and unable to risk accepting a power that appeased gods.

Zhong Shengguang remained silent for a moment before saying, "Given Panlong City's current situation, if we don't ally with Mitian, we would still be surrounded by dangers." He Lingchuan understood his deeper consideration: the Grand Square Flask was intimately connected with Panlong City and Mitian, a link that could not simply be severed.

"Where do these dangers come from?" This time, Zhong Shengguang finally spoke frankly: "Beijia." He had a clear understanding of the root cause of Panlong City's troubles. While Balin Country and Xianyou Country were formidable opponents at the moment, it was Beijia that was subtly driving them to attack Panlong Wasteland from behind!