Amidst the Chaos, Preserving One's Life is Most Important

"Jiang Chen, distribute the Spirit Ascension Pills to Junior Sister and Junior Brother. As for the cultivation manual, give it to Junior Brother Jiang Keran for now. Regarding these Thunderstrike Beads, leave them with me for the time being. If they prove useful at the Immortal Sect Assembly, I will naturally give them to you."

Jiang Chen nodded repeatedly, saying, "Alright."

Ning Lang inwardly cursed Jiang Chen as a simpleton, then stood up and said, "Jiang Keran, the Immortal Sect Assembly is a mix of all sorts. To avoid exposing your identity, don't go with us. Stay at Miao Peak and cultivate discreetly."

Jiang Keran stood up, respectfully cupping his hands and said, "Yes, Master."

After finishing their meals, Jiang Chen distributed a Spirit Ascension Pill to each of them, and the three of them went back to their bamboo houses to cultivate.

At night, Ning Lang locked the door and closed the windows. He then took out the Grade 5 Clear Soul Pill acquired from the Treasure Pavilion.

Pills ranged from Grade 1 to Grade 9, with higher grades being more rare. Grades 1 to 3 were considered ordinary, 4 to 6 were decent, and the top 3 were said to cause celestial phenomena upon completion, making them treasures that couldn't be measured in spiritual crystals.

Finding a Grade 5 pill in the Treasure Pavilion was already satisfying for Ning Lang. This pill might not have been taken because its effects were inconspicuous—cleansing soul impurities and nourishing the soul.

However, for Ning Lang, this pill was valuable. Spiritual perception determined the range of mental awareness. In turbulent times, survival was paramount. With the system supporting him, he could cultivate in any case. But if he died midway, that opportunity would be lost.

So, without hesitation, Ning Lang took out the Clear Soul Pill.

"Knock, knock, knock."

A sweet voice sounded outside the door, "Master~"

"I have something to attend to. Go back to your room and rest."

"Fine." There was a hint of regret in the voice.

Ning Lang silently recited the scripture, allowing the spiritual energy in his body to settle. He then poured the Clear Soul Pill from the jade bottle into his palm, swallowed it, and felt a cold sensation as the pill went down his throat, spreading a chill throughout her body.

If someone were present, they could clearly see a faint cold air emanating from Ning Lang's skin. Though his body seemed frozen, he didn't find it uncomfortable. Instead, it felt refreshing, like soaking in cold water on a summer day.

As time passed, the cold air gradually dissipated.

"Ha."

Ning Lang exhaled a cold breath and opened his eyes, saying, "Is it over?" He closed his eyes again and released his consciousness.

Sure enough!

Under the nourishment of the Clear Soul Pill, Ning Lang's perception range had significantly expanded. He could now sense even the slightest movements.

Ning Lang smirked, "This is quite rewarding."

Two days later, Gao Qianshou visited Miao Peak.

Ning Lang welcomed him into the house. Before speaking, Gao Qianshou took out a bottle of pills and placed it on the table, saying, "These are Grade 2 Revitalizing Pills I refined recently. Although they can only restore spiritual energy, they will come in handy on the way to the Zhengyang Palace."

Since Jiang Chen and Gan Tang gained fame, Gao Qianshou no longer dared to act rude. Hearing that the sect master arranged for him to accompany Ning Lang, he was somewhat happy. After all, having the opportunity to interact with Ning Lang could turn hostility into friendship.

"I will accept your offer then." Ning Lang had seen through people's hearts long ago. Since Gao Qianshou took the initiative to reconcile, Ning Lang didn't need to adopt a high-handed attitude. He would still be staying in the Haohui Sect, and having one more superficial friend was better than having an enemy.

"Where to?" Gao Qianshou asked.

"To the Zhengyang Palace. How long does it take to get there?" Ning Lang inquired.

"If we travel through the air, we can arrive in five days at the fastest."

Ning Lang made a judgment and nodded, "We have ten days before the Immortal Sect Assembly. With five days on the way, we'll have two days to familiarize ourselves with the environment. Let's set out in three days. What do you think?"

Seeing that Ning Lang didn't reject him and even asked for his opinion, Gao Qianshou immediately smiled and said, "Since the sect master has assigned you to lead the team, and the disciples participating in the Immortal Sect Assembly are your disciples, the timing is naturally up to you."

Ning Lang smiled and didn't say anything more.

Gao Qianshou stood up and said, "In that case, three days later, we will meet at the mountain gate and head to the Zhengyang Palace together."

"Alright."

Two days later, after taking the Spirit Ascension Pills, Jiang Chen successfully broke through to the peak of the Qi Refining Realm, while Gan Tang was only a step away from leaving the Qi Refining Realm.

Knowing the journey was perilous, Ning Lang, the night before their departure, gathered Jiang Chen and Gan Tang in his room and explained things that they needed to pay attention to along the way. He concluded, "Tomorrow morning, we will set out for the Zhengyang Palace. It will take about five days to get there. Prepare your belongings."

"Yes."

"On the way, be cautious in your words and actions, especially you, Gan Tang."

Jiang Chen had a simple and honest nature and wouldn't cause trouble. It was only Gan Tang that Ning Lang worried about.

Hearing Ning Lang's words, Gan Tang's delicate face wrinkled, and she shook her body, coquettishly shouting, "Master~"

"Alright, we'll talk about the rest later. Tonight, don't cultivate. Go back and have a good night's sleep."

"Yes."

Jiang Chen bowed and left, while Gan Tang remained in place.

Helpless, Ning Lang waved his hand and said, "Bring your own bedding."

"Okay~"

The next morning.

Except for the Grand Elder Qiu Yunze and the Fifth Elder Zhao Jian, the other four elders, along with the Sect Master Mei Qinghe, waited at the mountain gate for Ning Lang.

After a cup of tea, three figures flew in from the direction of Miao Peak.

Cultivators at the Qi Refining Realm could fly, but the lower the realm, the shorter the flight time and the greater the consumption of spiritual energy.

Thinking of this, Gao Qianshou had given a bottle of Revitalizing Pills to Ning Lang a few days ago.

"Why is everyone here?" Ning Lang asked in confusion.

Mei Qinghe smiled and said, "The Immortal Sect Assembly is related to the reputation of our Haohui Sect. Before you leave, I naturally want to encourage you with a few words."

"No need for the trouble."

Ning Lang replied, "The top three rewards at the Immortal Sect Assembly are generous. If Jiang Chen and Gan Tang have the strength to reach the top three, I will naturally encourage them. However, I want to make it clear in advance that it is impossible for my disciples to sacrifice themselves for the sect."

Hearing this, Jiang Chen and Gan Tang felt warmth in their hearts.

However, the several elders felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing Ning Lang's straightforward words.

In theory, even if you don't want to sacrifice yourself for the sect, saying a few words won't hurt. Why be so blunt?

However, Mei Qinghe felt that Ning Lang's words were sincere and much better than those who only boasted. Smiling, he said, "Just do your best. I never asked you to sacrifice yourselves for the sect, right?"

Ning Lang smiled without denying it, "Let's leave it at that. We'll be back in a month at the latest."

"Okay."

Ning Lang bowed to Li Hongri and the others, "Thank you for seeing us off. We'll meet again in the future."

Li Hongri, Yu Zhen, and Qian Dahai were somewhat surprised and finally bowed back.

"Fourth Elder, let's go."

"Okay."

The four of them rose into the air, and in less than half a stick of incense, their figures disappeared into the sky.

...