"Whoo… Tired."
At the foot of the mountain, Fan Jianqiang wiped the sweat from his forehead, then looked distantly towards the Moon Grasping Sect.
"The restrictions haven't been triggered, and the scarecrow substitute hasn't been noticed. They trust me this much?" He was somewhat surprised. "The Second Elder should already suspect me, but even so, they trust me?"
Even though he wouldn't be afraid if he was being watched, as he had ways to mislead them, the feeling of being trusted right after joining made Fan Jianqiang feel extremely comfortable.
"It seems the Moon Grasping Sect is quite good. Weak, indeed, but not without potential for growth. As long as this atmosphere remains, how can we not achieve great things? If I had known the Moon Grasping Sect was like this, even without the Sect Master's words..." With a slight smile, Fan Jianqiang muttered to himself as he felt the cool breeze, "Thinking too much, thinking too much. This is just the beginning. If a strong enemy invades, it would be certain death! No, I must continue!"
He then busied himself once more, working tirelessly.
***
In the Liu family of Grand Martial Immortal City.
Liu Xun hung his head dejectedly, looking like he had lost a loved one.
"How could you lose him?"
The head of the Liu family frowned, "It's just the Moon Grasping Sect, with their strongest member at the ninth level of the Cave Heaven Realm! Losing him is one thing, but you even lost your own storage bag?"
Liu Xun shrank his neck. "Father..."
"Call me Patriarch!"
"Patriarch, I... I was careless." He was too embarrassed to admit that his cleverness had backfired. "Rest assured, now that I have fully recovered from my injuries, I will go to the Moon Grasping Sect and definitely bring the person back. As for the storage bag, I don't believe it was the work of the Moon Grasping Sect. There's no clue, so finding it will be difficult."
The patriarch glared at him. "You can still talk? Going is fine, but don't be careless! And it may very well be the work of the Moon Grasping Sect!"
"Father... Patriarch, you mean?"
"The Moon Grasping Sect was once a top-tier sect. Although they're in decline now, no one knows if they still have hidden strength, so don't underestimate them."
"Is that really necessary?"
"Humph, foolish!" The patriarch scolded angrily, "What allows us to live and thrive in Grand Martial Immortal City?"
"Luck?"
"Luck is part of it! But more importantly, it's caution! Using your brain! If you don't use your brain, you'll only be able to work in the afternoon."
"Why?"
"Because you'll be dead sooner or later!" Seeing his son's confused expression, the Liu patriarch became even more furious. "Take two elders with you, so you'll have backup."
Seeing Liu Xun about to make a hasty exit, he added, "Wait! When you arrive, don't act rashly. Although few pay attention to Fan Jianqiang, and fewer know he was taken by the Moon Grasping Sect, don't forget that Xiao Ling'er was the champion of the Alchemy Conference. Many people are watching her, and she happens to be from the Moon Grasping Sect too! If Xiao Ling'er had been kidnapped, that would be one thing, but there's been no sign of her these past few days. She must have left using some unknown method. I suspect many will now target the Moon Grasping Sect!
"And the Moon Grasping Sect is in such a decrepit state, barely holding on. Many will surely make a move, so for now, just observe and probe the Moon Grasping Sect's situation! If the Moon Grasping Sect is destroyed, then you can step in. This will leave a good impression on Xiao Ling'er and Fan Jianqiang, making them more inclined to join us. On the contrary, if those who attack are defeated and the Moon Grasping Sect survives..."
The head of the Liu family paced back and forth with his hands behind his back.
After a moment, he said, "Then befriend them, do not make an enemy of them!"
"What?! Patriarch, do we really need to be this cautious? Isn't this making a mountain out of a molehill?" Liu Xun felt this was completely unnecessary and overly troublesome!
The head of the Liu family was so angry his head hurt!
He couldn't help but wonder: Is this really my own flesh and blood?!
He was too lazy to explain further. "Do as I say! If the Moon Grasping Sect gains the upper hand, directly intervene to help them, eliminate the other attackers, and then form a good relationship with the Moon Grasping Sect. It's best if we can cooperate and have the priority to purchase their high-quality elixirs.
"I will have two elders watch over you. If you mess up, I'll skin you alive!"
The head of the Liu family realized that his eldest son was like a bull; he needed constant prodding, or he would surely mess up.
Don't understand?
Then there's no need to explain further, too exhausting!
He would simply issue strict orders.
***
A few days later.
A torrential downpour arrived, accompanied by rolling thunder.
Lin Fan finished his training, surrounded by the aura of the profound element. Despite standing in the pouring rain, his clothes remained dry.
Gazing at the pressing layers of clouds, Lin Fan felt a surge of emotion. "Black clouds pressing down on the city, threatening to destroy it… By my calculations, it should be time."
Braving the storm, Lin Fan saw Fan Jianqiang running up the mountain.
These days, Fan Jianqiang went down the mountain every morning and returned by moonlight.
Today was the only exception.
In terms of cultivation, Xiao Ling'er had advanced further, already reaching the eighth level of the Condensation Realm.
Fan Jianqiang...
Still at the first level of the Condensation Realm.
At least on the surface.
Lin Fan, on the other hand, had made significant progress, now not far from the third level of the Profound Origin Realm, growing ever stronger.
"All the necessary preparations have been made. Whether we can survive this calamity depends on our efforts and destiny."
Lin Fan then sent a message, instructing the five elders to stay within the sect and not leave.
The protective formation of the sect was to be activated around the clock!
***
Night.
Several figures loomed in the darkness, gazing at the entrance of the Moon Grasping Sect.
"The Moon Grasping Sect was once a top-tier sect, just a step away from becoming an immortal holy land. But now, it is just a shadow of its former self! Talents like Xiao Ling'er are beyond their reach."
"Are the preparations complete?"
"Everything is ready."
"Since it's ready, let's proceed."
The leader stood arrogantly, completely disregarding the Moon Grasping Sect.
"But... it seems others have plans as well."
"I can sense the presence of many people. Some haven't even concealed themselves, as if they are full of confidence. If we act first, I'm afraid..."
"What is there to fear?"
Though the leader spoke bravely, he still hadn't given the order to act.
His subordinates grumbled silently but were relieved.
If they really charged in first, even if they could instantly defeat the Moon Grasping Sect and capture Xiao Ling'er, there would be no chance of survival.
"Eh? More people are coming!"
A cultivator skilled in sensing energies was puzzled. "This aura, demons?!"
"Why are the demons interested?"
"After all, she's the champion of the alchemy competition. Demons can also use pills! Or maybe, they are not interested in Xiao Ling'er but are trying to curry favor with someone else."
"Don't forget, the third divine son of the Feather Tribe lost face at the alchemy competition."
"If it doesn't act, it's probably because it knows other demons will try to please it by..."
Boom!
Another thunderclap resounded.
Finally, someone couldn't hold back any longer and transformed into a dark shadow, speeding through the rainy night towards the Moon Grasping Sect's mountain gate.