Chapter 893: Meeting

The Cloudmist Boat suddenly stopped, and the people ahead flew closer to greet them.

"Fellow Daoist Qi, Fellow Daoist Hu..."

Sect Leader Lu returned each greeting. He wasn't arrogant despite his cultivation and influence, treating everyone equally, including those from smaller sects.

"Fellow Daoist Moyu has also arrived early..." Sect Leader Lu cupped his hands to a scholar, then looked at the person beside him and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Who is this fellow Daoist?"

"My spiritual name is Mingyue. I am not a cultivator from Landou Island; I was merely passing through this area and happened to hear Fellow Daoist Moyu mention the grand Dongming Island Dharma Assembly. My heart was filled with longing, so I specifically came to observe the ceremony. Surely, Fellow Daoist Lu, you won't drive this humble Daoist away, will you...?"

This person was Qin Sang in disguise. He knew the mask couldn't deceive the Golden Core cultivators present, but he showed no sign of discomfort.

He had sent a clone to infiltrate the Landou Sect, and his true body had been searching for an opportunity. Finally, not long ago, he befriended Daoist Moyu, the Master of Moyun Mountain, a fellow Daoist who had good relations with Landou Island.

He befriended him sincerely, not rushing to probe for secrets.

Daoist Moyu's cultivation was similar to Qin Sang's, but Qin Sang not only hailed from another domain, his experiences were also infinitely more fascinating than those of Daoist Moyu, who had always cultivated within his sect. After a discussion on Dao, Daoist Moyu was greatly impressed.

The two conversed cheerfully.

When Qin Sang heard about the Dongming Island Dharma Assembly, he knew it was the best opportunity to make contact with the Golden Core cultivators of the Landou Sect. So he asked Daoist Moyu to bring him to observe the ceremony, and Fellow Daoist Moyu readily agreed.

Qin Sang acted as if he hadn't seen his clone behind the Cloudmist Boat, cupping his hands slightly and smiling as he spoke to Sect Leader Lu.

Sect Leader Lu laughed heartily, "It is our honor that fellow Daoist has personally come to observe the ceremony; how could we possibly refuse?"

Qin Sang revealed his true cultivation. A master of the Mid Golden Core stage was indeed worthy of Sect Leader Lu's respectful acquaintance. Just like the others, he acted as if he didn't see the mask on Qin Sang's face and didn't mention it at all.

Qin Sang thanked him with a smile.

"After we land on the island, I, Lu, will properly entertain Fellow Daoist Mingyue. Please wait a moment; we will jointly open the spirit formation of Dongming Island," Sect Leader Lu said, his expression shifting slightly.

"Please proceed, fellow Daoist," Qin Sang stepped aside and flew a short distance away, clearing the space.

The Cloudmist Boat and other flying treasures also carried disciples from various sects to the side.

On the Cloudmist Boat, the clone sensed a gaze, turned his head, and saw Fang Ting and Zhao Songqiao standing on the Bamboo Boat of Yanmiao Pavilion. He subtly nodded in acknowledgment.

Sect Leader Lu stood suspended in the air, took out a circular magical disk, and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoists, assist me in opening the formation!"

Old Daoist Huayang and others flew to Sect Leader Lu's side one after another.

Sect Leader Lu tossed the magical disk above everyone. Cultivators from Yanmiao Pavilion and other sects then took out identical blue crystals and tossed them as well, perfectly fitting them into the depressions on the magical disk.

Then the magical disk flashed with light and trembled slightly in the air. Without Sect Leader Lu's reminder, the others immediately activated their true essence, transforming it into streams of energy that poured into the magical disk.

As the magical disk received the true essence, it suddenly shone brightly. A muffled, thunder-like roar was heard from afar, and turbulent waves suddenly surged dozens of miles north of them.

"Go!"

Sect Leader Lu led the way, with the others following closely behind.

Qin Sang also flew over to observe.

According to Daoist Moyu, the spirit formation of Dongming Island was extremely intricate. Only by holding the complete magical disk and finding the constantly shifting 'vital point' could one open the formation and make Dongming Island appear.

Sect Leader Lu flew to the center of the waves, threw the now dazzling magical disk downwards, then everyone simultaneously let out a low shout, fully activating their true essence.

The next moment, the void in all directions began to twist. On the previously empty sea, a shadow appeared at some point—an island shrouded in mist.

"What an exquisite spirit formation!"

Qin Sang couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. It was indeed a grand formation personally set up by the former Landou Sect Master, a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Mingyue, please proceed!"

As Qin Sang gazed intently, Daoist Moyu flew to his side and invited him to the island.

The others had already flown directly toward the island.

Qin Sang quickly activated his flight ability and soon arrived near Dongming Island, seeing the thick mist parting in one spot, revealing a narrow valley.

The mist must have been a manifestation of the spirit formation's power. Qin Sang felt a chill in his heart and dutifully followed beside Daoist Moyu.

At this moment, Sect Leader Lu designated a few disciples from the Cloudmist Boat, telling them, "You will guard this spot. No cultivators from any sect, unless they hold a Dharma Assembly token, are permitted to enter the island."

"As you command!"

Those few flew to either side of the valley, while the others flew straight through.

Before long, a sheer cliff suddenly appeared below them. Ahead was actually a deep pit, far lower than the outside ground!

The deep pit was shrouded in thin mist, making it hard to see clearly. Inside, the terrain was uneven, with undulating hills that were not very high. In the very center, a tall mountain vaguely stood out like a crane among chickens.

This kind of terrain made Qin Sang think of a meteor crater.

"That mountain should be Mount Longxing," Qin Sang thought to himself.

Not far after flying out of the valley, a low mountain appeared before everyone.

On the mountain were several exquisite bamboo buildings, appearing as green as new bamboo in the thin mist, but they seemed to have been uninhabited for a long time.

"Fellow Daoists, please follow me to Zhuxuan to rest for a while," Sect Leader Lu said, retracting his flight glow and turning around. "Once the other fellow Daoists arrive, the Dongming Island Dharma Assembly will begin at noon, allowing the disciples to compete."

Out of the corner of his eye, Qin Sang glimpsed his clone and other disciples disembarking from the Cloudmist Boat. They bypassed this mountain and continued flying forward, disappearing into the thin mist in an instant. He calmly withdrew his gaze and flew into Zhuxuan.

At this time, the clone followed behind Dao Tong and the others, flying past several mountain peaks in a row.

On these mountains, flashes of light from restrictions occasionally flickered, marking territories claimed by various sects. The Landou Sect's was the largest, occupying almost half of Dongming Island.

Before long, the Foundation Establishment cultivator in front paused, took out a wooden token, and waved it at the mountain ahead. After a ripple appeared, he flew directly towards a row of stone houses on the mountain.

The houses on the mountain looked quite simple, but they would not stay there for long.

The cultivator landed in front of the stone houses and turned to address the others. "The Dharma Assembly is about to begin at noon. The spiritual energy here is rich, especially suitable for junior brothers cultivating the 'Wood Golem Scripture'. Quickly adjust your condition and strive for a good ranking; it will be beneficial for yourselves..."

Someone called out, "Senior Brother Ruan, you participated in the last Dharma Assembly. Please tell us about your experience from last time, so that we can be mentally prepared."

The cultivator shook his head and said playfully, "You'll get the rewards, but you won't share them with this old man, yet you always think of ordering me around. Alright, whoever wants to hear, come over..." Saying this, he pushed open the stone room and walked inside.

Dao Tong had long anticipated this Dongming Island Dharma Assembly and was about to follow him in immediately.

The clone hastily stepped forward and whispered, "Uncle-Master Yang, before we left, Uncle-Master Jinyan asked me to gather some spiritual materials on the island to take back and use. Your disciple now..."

Dao Tong impatiently waved his hand, "Your cultivation isn't high enough, so listening to Senior Brother Ruan's experience won't be of much use. Go on!"