bookbashuk Chapter 179 Chongqing City Support, Parting Words
Chapter 179 Chongqing City Support, Parting Words
The messages in the group chat were like boiling water, and the shock, anger and worry of the cultivators from various factions almost overflowed the screen.
Zhang Nanshan quickly sent a long voice message, his tone unusually serious: "My fellow Daoist from Maoshan and I are near the epicenter. The earth's energy here is chaotic, showing signs of forced activation and manipulation of the earth's veins; it is definitely not a natural earthquake. The evil cultivators' motives are unclear, but stirring up the earth's energy could, at best, trigger geological disasters and harm innocent people; at worst, it could damage the foundation of a region's spiritual veins, leaving far-reaching consequences. Currently, the spiritual energy field in the epicenter area is extremely unstable, and there is a leakage of turbid yin energy, which may indicate the emergence or lurking of evil spirits. I urge all fellow Daoists, if you have the capacity, to quickly go to Chongqing to provide support. The priority is to stabilize the earth's veins, rescue the trapped beings, and investigate the evil cultivators' whereabouts. Remember, those who go first should prioritize stability and avoid going deep into enemy territory alone. Keep in touch with each other!"
He had just sent the voice message when he saw Zhang Nanshan add a person with the screen name "Bao Zong will take you into the system" to the group. Two seconds later, the person changed his group name card and his screen name instantly became "Tianbao, the 89th generation leader of Maoshan".
When Chen Anran saw this name, the corner of his eye twitched slightly.
No wonder Maoshan is so keen on cooperating with the government. I just wonder if he has a brother named "Junbao".
At this moment, Tianbao, the current leader of Maoshan Sect, also sent a voice message. Upon listening, one could hear: "Brother Nanshan is right. The remaining traces of the array here are extremely ancient and sinister, unlike anything commonly seen today. Brother Nanshan and I will first try to stabilize the earth's energy in the core area, but the surrounding mountains are continuous and villages are scattered, requiring a large number of people to patrol and rescue, and to clear away any impurities that may have been generated by the sinister energy. Fellow Daoists of all sects, please act according to your capabilities and look out for each other!"
"The eighteen warrior monks of the Arhat Hall at Vajra Temple have set off!"
"The Liu family in western Hunan has mobilized nearby clansmen and even undead members to assist in the search and rescue operation!"
"The Mo family of Handan is skilled in civil engineering and can help stabilize the mountain and repair the houses. Let's set off!"
Replies flooded in quickly, and the righteous cultivators, who were usually either reclusive or carefree, demonstrated astonishing initiative and responsibility.
Su Wan put down her phone and looked at Chen Anran: "Anran, this matter happened in Chongqing, which is not far from us, and it involves evil cultivators wreaking havoc on the earth's veins. For both reason and duty, we should go there."
Chen Anran nodded: "That's how it should be."
Feng Xiaolu immediately jumped up: "I'll go pack my stuff!" The "stuff" she was referring to was naturally her pile of all sorts of game consoles... as well as a few truly useful protective magic items and pills.
Unexpectedly, Su Wan shook her head and said, "This matter is of great importance. Evil cultivators bring harm to mortals, so I want to go down the mountain myself this time. Xiao Lu, you and An Ran will stay and guard the mountain gate together."
As soon as Su Wan finished speaking, Chen Anran objected, "Senior Sister, I'll go with you."
"Anran," Su Wan looked at him, "the outcome of this trip is uncertain. The strength and number of the evil cultivators who stirred up the earth dragon are unknown, and there may be other variables. Although your cultivation has progressed rapidly, ultimately..."
"Precisely because the outcome is unpredictable, I should accompany you," Chen Anran interrupted her. "Senior Sister, I am no longer the child who needed your constant protection. I can now stand on my own. This time, the evil cultivators' rampage has far-reaching consequences, and it is not something one person can handle alone. If we travel together and look after each other, we can cope with even more unforeseen events."
Su Wan looked at his face, which had lost its youthful naiveté and become calm and resolute. After a moment of silence, she finally sighed softly, "Very well, since you insist, then come with me. But remember, you must follow my instructions in all actions and not take any risks rashly."
"Yes."
"I want to go too!" Feng Xiaolu jumped up immediately, grabbing Su Wan's sleeve. "Senior Sister, I can help too! Although I might not be as good as Junior Brother in a fight, I'm fast, so reconnaissance and communication shouldn't be a problem, right? Besides, I'm quite familiar with the terrain around Chongqing!"
Su Wan turned to look at her, her expression gentle yet carrying the decisiveness of a sect leader: "Little Deer, you can't go."
"Why?!" Feng Xiaolu asked anxiously.
"Because the sect needs you."
Su Wan raised her hand and gently placed it on Feng Xiaolu's shoulder. Her gaze swept over Huiming, Lin Xiaoman, Zhao Mengmeng, and Xiaoling'er beside her, before finally settling back on Feng Xiaolu's face.
"With Anran and I leaving the mountain, the Cloud Hidden Sect needs someone to take charge. Besides, as the third eldest of this generation, you should be becoming more familiar with internal and external affairs. The opening of 'Cloud Hidden Immortal Traces' at the foot of the mountain is imminent, and there are countless things to manage. Although your two cousins are here, they are ultimately guests; Fatty Li is busy with worldly affairs; Fellow Daoist Qi Lan is lazy; and the origins of Bell and Stone are unknown, so we need to be even more vigilant. At this moment, the sect needs someone who can keep things in order and coordinate all parties to stay behind. Little Deer, you have to shoulder this responsibility."
Her tone was gentle, yet every word carried immense weight. Feng Xiaolu opened her mouth, but her fervent enthusiasm and sense of loyalty were stifled by the words "the sect needs it." She glanced at Chen Anran, then at Su Wan, and finally slumped her shoulders, muttering, "...I understand, I'll stay behind."
Su Wan smiled slightly and patted her head: "Act as the sect leader, protect the sect, and take good care of the properties down the mountain. If there is any emergency, you can contact us at any time through the group chat or by phone."
At this moment, Zhao Mengmeng stepped forward, her little face full of earnestness: "Master, Senior Sister Su Wan, I want to go too! I can help treat the wounded. I... I've recently learned a lot about pharmacology from Sister Lin..."
Huiming also put his hands together in prayer: "Amitabha, subduing demons and saving sentient beings is the duty of Buddhism. This humble monk is willing to accompany the two venerable ones and do my utmost."
Little Ling'er, who had been quietly standing beside Lin Xiaoman, released her grip on Lin Xiaoman's clothes and ran to Chen Anran. She looked up and carefully tugged at Chen Anran's sleeve. "Junior Uncle...you and my master must come back safely. Little Ling'er will meditate diligently every day, striving to break through to the Qi Refining stage as soon as possible. I will also take good care of all the herbs for Sister Xiaoman, ensuring none of them get sick...I...I will also supervise Third Uncle, making sure she doesn't play games for too long...Please come back soon, okay?"
The child's innocent yet sincere promise softened the hearts of everyone present.
Chen Anran squatted down, looking at Xiao Ling'er at eye level. "Okay, Junior Uncle promises you that he and your master will return safely. Xiao Ling'er also promises Junior Uncle that she will listen to Third Uncle and Sister Xiao Man at home, cultivate diligently, and take good care of herself. When we return, we will check your homework and hear what new stories have happened in the herb field."
Little Ling'er nodded vigorously, her little face tense, trying her best to look serious: "Yes!"
Su Wan also came to Xiao Ling'er's side with a smile and patted her head.
Chen Anran stood up and looked at Zhao Mengmeng gently, saying, "Mengmeng, we understand your intentions. However, the preparations for the opening of the resort area at the foot of the mountain have reached the most critical stage. As Chairman Zhao's daughter, you are an important link connecting the sect and secular projects. Many details require your assistance in coordinating with Fatty Li and your father. It is equally important for you to stay on the mountain and help your Uncle Xiaolu stabilize the rear."
He then looked at Huiming: "Huiming, the sect has newly built halls and erected statues. As the number of pilgrims increases after the New Year, we need someone with a calm and composed temperament to guide and explain things, and to soothe people's hearts. This responsibility is best left to you. Protecting this newly established place and ensuring that the pilgrims have kind thoughts and peace of mind is also a meritorious deed. In addition," he gently swept his gaze over Xiaoling'er, who was nestled close to his legs, "Xiaoling'er is young. When we are not around, please take good care of her. If she has any questions about cultivation, we hope you will not hesitate to give her guidance."
Chen Anran's words were reasonable, affirming their intentions while also pointing out that they could play an irreplaceable role if they stayed in the sect. Although Zhao Mengmeng was still somewhat unwilling, she understood that the overall situation was more important, and lowered her head to say softly, "Yes, Master, I will assist Junior Uncle Lu well."
Huiming bowed deeply as well: "Master, your thoughts are thorough. I will obey your instructions. I will guard the mountain gate well and guide people towards goodness. I will also take good care of benefactor Xiaoling'er."
Seeing that the arrangements were finalized, Su Wan didn't delay any longer and said to Chen Anran, "Anran, go and pack your things quickly, and take the necessary pills, talismans, and magical artifacts. We'll set off in a quarter of an hour."
"Yes."
Just as Chen Anran and Su Wan were preparing to go back inside to pack their belongings, they heard hurried footsteps and heavy breathing coming from outside the courtyard.
Fatty Li, his round figure bursting into the courtyard first, was covered in sweat, the collar of his polo shirt soaked through. He leaned against the doorframe, panting and unable to speak, only able to wave vigorously at the people in the courtyard to indicate that he was alright.
Following closely behind him, Zhao Qiming had his suit jacket unbuttoned, and beads of sweat glistened on his forehead. Though his breathing was rapid, it was still relatively steady. He quickly scanned the crowd in the courtyard, and only after seeing that everyone was safe and sound did he visibly relax. Finally, his gaze fell on Zhao Mengmeng, and seeing that his daughter was unharmed, his tense shoulders slowly relaxed.
"Immortal... Immortal Master... Sect Leader..." Fatty Li finally caught his breath, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "That earthquake just now... Are you all alright? It scared me to death!"
Su Wan replied gently, "We're fine. How are you down the mountain? Did you suffer any losses?"
Zhao Qiming composed himself, stepped forward, and calmly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader. The main buildings in the resort area at the foot of the mountain all adopt the latest earthquake-resistant standards. Only a few decorative tiles have fallen off, and personnel have been arranged to inspect and clean them. Everyone is safe, and tourists and staff have been properly evacuated to open areas. Their emotions are currently basically stable."
Fatty Li nodded repeatedly and added, "It's just that some building materials that weren't properly secured at the construction sites collapsed, thankfully no one was hurt! Oh, by the way, I also checked on the two young masters of the Feng family and Senior Qi Lan, they're all safe. It's just... there's something strange going on at the 'Longhushan Exchange Center' next door. It seemed like a light came on briefly during the earthquake, but it went out quickly. Senior Qi Lan is keeping an eye on it."
Hearing that everyone was safe down the mountain, Su Wan's expression softened slightly, and she nodded gently: "It's good that everyone is alright. Thank you both for your concern."
Chen Anran's eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Zhao Qiming: "Chairman Zhao, we have just received news that this earthquake was not a natural disaster, but rather caused by evil cultivators disturbing the earth's veins. My senior sister and I need to go to the earthquake zone in Chongqing immediately to provide support."
Upon hearing this, both Zhao Qiming and Fatty Li's expressions changed. Zhao Qiming, a business tycoon with extensive experience, although he hadn't been in contact with the core of the cultivation world for many years, was well aware of the weight and danger behind terms like "evil cultivators" and "earth veins." He immediately said solemnly, "I see... You two immortal masters are truly righteous, please be extra careful! Everything down the mountain is under my and Old Li's care, there will be no trouble, please rest assured, Sect Leader and Immortal Master Chen!"
Fatty Li patted his chest and guaranteed, "Master, you and the Sect Leader can go ahead! I, Fatty Li, will risk my life to keep an eye on things for Uncle-Master Little Deer, inside and outside the house!"
Feng Xiaolu, who had been somewhat listless, was now emboldened by the two men's statements and puffed out her chest: "That's right! Senior Sister, Junior Brother, you can go with peace of mind! Leave the family to me, I guarantee nothing will go wrong!" She paused, then muttered softly, "...But if I can't handle it, I'll call and bother you right away."
A hint of warmth flashed in Su Wan's eyes as she solemnly said to Zhao Qiming and Fatty Li, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you two. Xiao Lu is young and inexperienced, and there are many complicated matters down the mountain. I hope you two can give her some guidance and help."
"Sect Leader, you flatter us. It's our duty!" Zhao and Li quickly bowed in agreement.
Chen Anran didn't delay any longer and said to Su Wan, "Senior Sister, I'll go get my things. We'll set off immediately."
At this moment, Fatty Li said that he would go down the mountain to prepare the vehicle and personally drive the two to the airport.
But just as Fatty Li finished speaking, Chen Anran's phone rang. He took it out and saw that it was Qi Lan calling.
Chen Anran pressed the answer button, and Qi Lan's slightly hurried voice came from the receiver, with the faint sounds of bells and cats meowing in the background.
"Chen Anran, did you feel the earthquake? I just received an urgent message from our sect leader. Evil cultivators in Chongqing have disturbed the earth's veins, and the situation is dire. He wants me to rush over there immediately to provide support." Qi Lan spoke quickly. "Coincidentally, the two brothers from the Feng family also came over, saying they also received orders from the family. Feng Changyuan has already prepared a car, which is parked in the backyard of Yunyin Xiaozhu. He said we're going the same way and could go together, asking if you wanted a ride."
Upon hearing this, Chen Anran first stopped Fatty Li, telling him not to prepare a vehicle, before replying to Qi Lan on the phone, "Of course we need one."
"Okay, we'll wait for you at the foot of the mountain."
"Oh, right, my senior sister also went with us."
"Feng Xiaolu?"
"No, it's our sect leader."
Upon hearing this, Qi Lan on the other end of the phone said meaningfully, "Oh—Sect Leader Su Wan is going in person... It seems our trip is more secure."
Chen Anran hung up the phone and briefly relayed Qi Lan's words to Su Wan. Su Wan nodded slightly after listening: "That's good, more people means we can look out for each other."
The two said no more and went back to their rooms to pack up quickly.
Chen Anran didn't have much to collect. Most of his trump cards and magical artifacts were kept in the Museum of Evolution. He wore a Vajra Relic on his body, carried a Dharma Protector Vajra Pendant in his pocket, and wore a space ring on the index finger of his left hand.
After quickly packing some clothes, Chen Anran threw them all into the ring and then walked out of the room.
As soon as she came out, Chen Anran saw Su Wan, who had changed into modern clothes, standing under the locust tree with a suitcase in her hand.
Explore the endless possibilities of Xianxia novels, all in the category navigation.