Chapter 1110: Great Feast Festival

As they deliberated, a sudden stir rippled through the crowd.

A group of individuals approached Bai Xin, jointly requesting her to join their team. Their leader was none other than Reverend Xuan Yi of Sanqing Mountain, a formidable cultivator in the Seven Aperture Nascent Soul realm!

Last time, he had led two Eight Aperture Nascent Soul cultivators to the East Sea to capture an ancient giant. However, only he returned; the two Eight Aperture Nascent Souls perished inexplicably. The high-ranking members of Sanqing Mountain were quite displeased with him, which was why he had been tasked with this dangerous mission, to atone for his past mistakes and earn merit.

A cultivator of such power naturally commanded immense influence. Over a dozen strong experts from various sects had already joined his contingent. Together, they extended an invitation to Bai Xin.

"Commander Bai, this mission is fraught with peril. Acting alone risks death," Reverend Xuan Yi urged sincerely. "Why not join us?"

Apart from her integrity, trustworthiness, and reliability, Bai Xin's most crucial asset was her origin from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau. Since the Bureau initiated this operation, she might possess more critical information regarding the Heaven-Connecting Black Pillar. Teaming with her would undoubtedly yield greater rewards.

"I already have a teammate chosen, I apologize," Bai Xin refused calmly, her expression serene.

Reverend Xuan Yi, unwilling to give up, pressed, "May I ask who your teammate is?" He wondered if there was an even stronger team present than theirs.

Bai Xin, growing weary of the persistence, swept her beautiful gaze around. Her eyes subtly shifted as she spotted Jiang Fan. Immediately, she stepped forward and walked towards him.

Everyone followed her path with their eyes, eager to see who this highly sought-after Bai Xin, whom everyone desired, would choose. At first glance, they saw Zong Chaosheng.

A moment of realization dawned on them. "It's him! No wonder!""Zong Chaosheng also has a Seven Aperture Nascent Soul cultivation. He's one of the Eighteen Disciples of Taicang, known for his impeccable reputation and trustworthiness.""Choosing him is indeed more suitable than Reverend Xuan Yi." Everyone was well aware of Sanqing Mountain's reputation.

Zong Chaosheng smiled, and his teammates beside him couldn't help but praise him."It has to be Senior Brother Zong! Bai Xin came to us herself.""Like blooming flowers attracting butterflies.""Truly excellent people never lack special attention."

A smile played on Zong Chaosheng's lips, a touch of pride in his heart. To be favored by such a selfless beauty like Bai Xin, he had to admit his charm was extraordinary. He stood still, waiting for Bai Xin to approach him.

However, what made his face stiffen slightly was that Bai Xin merely walked past them. She went directly to Jiang Fan and asked, "How many teammates do you have?"

Jiang Fan was momentarily stunned. Only then did he realize Bai Xin had been waiting for him.

"None currently," Jiang Fan replied.

Bai Xin nodded lightly. "Come with me."

Jiang Fan wouldn't refuse and was about to agree when Zong Chaosheng led his group over. He frowned, glancing at Jiang Fan.

"Why are you meddling here?" he demanded, then turned to Bai Xin. "Commander Bai, you should still come with us. No one knows what we'll encounter climbing the Heaven-Connecting Black Pillar. It's safer to be with us."

Bai Xin shook her head. "Jiang Fan is enough to accompany me. You all do as you please."

Zong Chaosheng couldn't comprehend it. What was so special about this Jiang Fan? Even if he ranked first on the Ancient Road to Heaven, how could he possibly help Bai Xin? On the contrary, he would likely become a burden.

Unwilling to concede, Zong Chaosheng said, "Commander Bai, to be honest, among our companions for this trip, there is a very powerful senior. With her, we are completely foolproof." Left with no choice, he revealed his trump card. He carefully took a magical artifact from his robe. "Senior Song Lingyu of the Myriad Calamities Sacred Hall is prepared to accompany us. With her, we can rest easy."

Seeing that Bai Xin was still about to refuse, he gritted his teeth and said reluctantly, "If absolutely necessary, for Commander Bai's sake, we can even allow Jiang Fan to join us."

Bai Xin pondered, looking at Jiang Fan, allowing him to make his own decision. Song Lingyu, an Eight Aperture Nascent Soul, would be even more capable of protecting Jiang Fan than she was.

Before Jiang Fan could reply, Song Lingyu walked over, looking slightly awkward. "Zong Chaosheng, where is the artifact that holds my shackles?"

Zong Chaosheng quickly and respectfully handed it over. "It's here. This junior will keep it safe."

Song Lingyu took it, smiling sheepishly. "I won't trouble you anymore. I'll have someone else keep it. Jiang Fan, take this." She casually tossed it over.

Jiang Fan caught it with both hands, casually slipped it into his pocket, and turned to Bai Xin. "One more teammate, Commander Bai won't mind, right?"

Bai Xin's gaze flickered between Jiang Fan and Song Lingyu. This was truly something. He had actually poached Zong Chaosheng's resource and succeeded! An artifact that was already in Zong Chaosheng's hands, yet Jiang Fan managed to obtain it. How had Jiang Fan managed to persuade Song Lingyu?

Zong Chaosheng froze, somewhat disbelieving. "Senior Song, what do you mean by this? Aren't you going back on your word?"

Song Lingyu was extremely embarrassed, lowering her voice. "It's not that I'm untrustworthy. I'm a victim too! That Reverend San Qian owes Jiang Fan a favor and has become a deadbeat. Out of desperation, he essentially 'sold' me to Jiang Fan."

How could Zong Chaosheng believe any of that? How could Song Lingyu's own safety be decided by someone else? Clearly, she had been brainwashed by Jiang Fan herself, compelling her to retrieve the artifact despite the awkwardness.

He glared at Jiang Fan in anger. "You really are something!"

Jiang Fan shrugged. "Thanks."

Zong Chaosheng's eyes narrowed, a hint of annoyance spreading. This person clearly held no respect for him at all! Stealing his thunder at the Jian family was one thing, but now he was trying to poach his people! Outrageous!

"Amitabha, it is better to resolve enmity than to perpetuate it." Dharma Seal Vajra walked over with a smile, his invisible Buddhist power dissolving the hostility in Zong Chaosheng's eyes. He stood beside Jiang Fan and said, "Benefactor Jiang, the Bodhisattva has instructed me to accompany you."

What? Everyone was greatly surprised. The Bodhisattva had actually assigned Dharma Seal Vajra to follow Jiang Fan? Did this mean he was protecting Jiang Fan? Zong Chaosheng was also extremely puzzled. What exactly was Jiang Fan's background? Even the Bodhisattva regarded him differently.

He glanced at Dharma Seal Vajra, then at Baima Temple. No matter how much he relied on his identity as one of the Eighteen Disciples of Taicang, he wouldn't dare to act rashly before Baima Temple.

"Then I wish you good luck!" He glared at Jiang Fan, snorted, and left.

Just then, the sky suddenly grew dim. It wasn't dark clouds obscuring the sky, but rather, the sun's light was rapidly fading! In an instant, it became as faint as moonlight. Heaven and earth plunged into darkness.

The sudden strange phenomenon made Jiang Fan's eyes flicker. "Is this the domain of a Venerable?" He didn't believe anyone could control the sun high above in the Nine Heavens, causing the balance of Yin and Yang to collapse and the natural order of day and night to reverse. The only explanation was that the environment hadn't changed, but an invisible entity had altered their perception.

Bai Xin nodded lightly. "The Grand Libationer has arrived."

Jiang Fan's eyes showed surprise. The leader of the most mysterious organization in Taicang Great State was indeed a Venerable!