Could it be that they came specifically to pick a fight

Yaoqin's efficiency when she got serious was remarkable. After giving a few brief instructions, she decided to set off directly for the Qingfeng Sect.

Chu Xingchen had no objections to this. After all, he was just accompanying her on this mission.

Yaoqin had already briefed him—this was merely a reconnaissance mission to gather intelligence and prevent any irreversible disasters.

Before the arrival of envoys from Central Province, they needed to keep the situation under control.

The difference between solving a problem and understanding it was like night and day.

The distance between Qingfeng Sect and Yuzhou City was relative. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was quite far.

But for a Golden Core cultivator, it wasn’t much of a journey, especially since Golden Core cultivators could fly through the air without relying on external tools.

Chu Xingchen didn’t have any flying treasures, so when he came to Yuzhou City, he had to carry his two disciples if they wanted to fly.

Coupled with the need to guard against a potential attack from Qingfeng Sect, Chu Xingchen chose to travel with his disciples on foot, which slowed them down a bit.

However, Li Yingling seemed quite happy during the journey.

Now, the situation had reversed. This time, they could be considered as going to stir up trouble.

The two of them sped off, and it would take at most half a day to reach Qingfeng Sect.

In the air, near Qingfeng Sect.

Chu Xingchen asked, "Do you plan to go to the sect first, or check out the mine?"

Yaoqin replied, "No need to alert them. Let’s go to the sect first and see what’s going on."

"We need to figure out if the entire sect has gone mad, or just a few individuals."

Chu Xingchen nodded lightly at her words.

……

The Qingfeng Sect’s mountain gate was located at the largest spiritual vein in the area, where spiritual energy was relatively abundant.

It was said that the mountain was originally called Niutou Mountain (Ox Head Mountain) by the locals.

The mountain had two peaks on either side that were particularly high, resembling ox horns when viewed from a distance.

Following the principle of naming things based on their appearance, the mountain was called Niutou Mountain, and the name had been used for a long time.

However, after Daoist Qingyun, the founder of Qingfeng Sect, established the sect, the mountain was renamed Qingfeng Mountain.

After all, when asked about the sect’s location, one couldn’t very well say, “I’m from the Qingfeng Sect of Niutou Mountain,” could they?

No matter how impressive the sect’s name might be, being located on Niutou Mountain would make it seem like a second-rate sect.

But spiritual mountains with spiritual veins that hadn’t been claimed were as rare as phoenix feathers.

So even if it was Niutou Mountain, Daoist Qingyun decided to claim it first and establish his sect there.

As time passed and Qingfeng Sect firmly rooted itself, the name Niutou Mountain was eventually forgotten.

In front of Qingfeng Sect’s mountain gate stood a towering white jade archway with three elegant gilded characters: “Qingfeng Sect.”

Behind the archway, magnificent buildings were constructed on the rugged cliffs and steep mountain faces.

Chu Xingchen and Yaoqin flew over, their Golden Core cultivator auras fully unleashed.

The disciples guarding the mountain gate quickly noticed the two Golden Core cultivators hovering outside.

Chu Xingchen swept his gaze over the mountain gate, then looked down at the gatekeepers:

“From Central Province. Go notify someone who can make decisions.”

“Please wait a moment, honored cultivators!”

The gatekeeper quickly clasped his hands in respect, then hurried into the sect.

Yaoqin sent a mental message to Chu Xingchen: “I’ll leave this to you later.”

After all, when it came to stirring up trouble, Chu Xingchen was clearly a cut above her in terms of combat ability. And in terms of handling affairs, Yaoqin held Chu Xingchen’s skills in high regard.

Chu Xingchen nodded slightly in response.

Soon, a middle-aged Golden Core cultivator dressed in black robes flew over.

He clasped his hands and asked, “May I ask what brings the two of you here?”

【Target: Zheng Xiaofeng】

【Cultivation: Early Golden Core】

【Blue Trait: Smooth Operator】

【White Trait: Decent Talent】

【White Trait: Composed】

【Black Trait: Shortsighted】

Chu Xingchen scanned the Golden Core cultivator’s information with his system. With the “Smooth Operator” trait, it was no wonder he was sent out to handle guests.

Chu Xingchen spoke in a calm tone, “We’re here on official business. We require your Qingfeng Sect’s cooperation.”

Zheng Xiaofeng continued to clasp his hands and asked, “May I ask what matter requires our cooperation?”

Chu Xingchen pulled out the token Yaoqin had given him on the way and showed it to Zheng Xiaofeng, then said coldly, “Everything.”

Hearing such an arrogant statement, Zheng Xiaofeng was momentarily stunned. He then carefully examined the token Chu Xingchen had shown him.

Soon, the name of a sect flashed in his mind.

“So it’s our esteemed guests from the Tianyan Sect,” Zheng Xiaofeng’s face instantly broke into a smile. “No problem, anything is negotiable. Would the two of you like to come in for some tea? We can discuss matters slowly.”

Watching Zheng Xiaofeng’s rapid change in demeanor, Chu Xingchen truly understood what it meant to be a “Smooth Operator.”

However, since Chu Xingchen had never been to Central Province, he didn’t fully grasp the significance of the Tianyan Sect and why it had caused Zheng Xiaofeng to change his attitude so quickly.

Thinking this, Chu Xingchen subtly glanced at Yaoqin beside him and sent a mental message:

“Your sect carries that much weight?”

Yaoqin quickly replied via mental message:

“In Central Province, even a moderately powerful sect is seen as a behemoth in the eyes of these people.”

This response was indeed the truth.

As for Zheng Xiaofeng's invitation, Chu Xingchen and Yaoqin naturally accepted.

With a radiant smile, Zheng Xiaofeng led the way, guiding the two into the resplendent main hall.

On either side of the hall stood a disciple. As Zheng Xiaofeng passed one of them, he instructed,

"Go and summon the sect leader first, and then call all the elders who can be gathered."

The disciple who received the order hurried off to carry it out.

This exchange wasn’t whispered, so Chu Xingchen and Yaoqin naturally overheard it.

Zheng Xiaofeng clasped his hands and said, "Please, this way."

Seats were arranged on both the left and right sides of the hall. Chu Xingchen casually took a seat on the left, while Yaoqin sat in the chair beside him.

No sooner had they settled in than two female disciples entered from outside the hall, each carrying a pot of tea.

They placed the tea on the tables beside the two guests and then withdrew together.

Zheng Xiaofeng sat down on a chair to the right and said with a smile, "This is the Qingfeng Sect's specialty, Qingfeng Tea. It’s infused with spiritual energy."

"Though it may not compare to what esteemed guests like yourselves are accustomed to, it should still offer a unique flavor."

Neither Chu Xingchen nor Yaoqin showed any reaction to Zheng Xiaofeng's recommendation, as if they had no interest in the tea whatsoever.

Zheng Xiaofeng could only respond with an awkward smile.

However, the awkwardness didn’t last long.

Soon, a white-haired elder stepped through the door, followed by three Golden Core elders dressed in black robes.

The elder’s gaze quickly locked onto Chu Xingchen and Yaoqin, and he smiled as he said,

"You two must be the esteemed guests from the Central Plains? I am the sect leader of the Qingfeng Sect."

Chu Xingchen’s eyes swept over the elder but then fixed intently on one of the elders standing behind him.

Shangguan Hong met Chu Xingchen’s piercing gaze with a heavy expression.

Damn it.

This kid really is from the Central Plains?

Could he be here specifically to settle a score with me?