Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 28: Sect Master

Chapter 28: Sect Master

Three years later, when the Cloud Heaven Sect began recruiting disciples again, Li Muwan found herself constantly busy, leaving less time to dwell on the Fiend. Only during solitary moments would those tender memories from the Southern Garden resurfacescenes of their intimate entanglement.

To this day, Li Muwan still couldn’t quite believe it.

That icy, reticent man had actually indulged in passion with her. Afterwards, he would regain his aloof demeanor, though now tinged with a subtle tenderness.

On every full moon night, she would stand atop the pavilion, gazing toward some distant unknown directionperhaps toward the Zhao Kingdom Wang Lin had spoken of. The moonlight cast her in an even more ethereal pallor, with Xiao Ling circling quietly beside her. She entrusted her longing to the bright moon, stealing only these brief moments for herself.

Zhou Lin led the elders into the Southern Garden, three figures materializing abruptly behind Li Muwan. She turned with a glance that blended gentleness with the authority of a sect master.

“Sect Master.”

“Master.”

“What matters bring you two elders here?”

“An upper-level cultivation nation has sent word demanding our Cloud Heaven Sect supply them with Elixirs. Thirty years ago, had it not been for your intervention during our sect’s crisis…” Elder Lü Fei explained.

Li Muwan pondered briefly before responding softly to the moon, “Have Zhou Lin deliver the required herb list to the Southern Garden tomorrow. I shall make the final decision.”

“You may withdraw now.”

“Yes.” The three figures retreated from the Southern Garden.

Li Muwan shifted her gaze to Xiao Ling, who obediently stood guard nearby. Her eyes softened as she fed the creature several spirit pills.

Meanwhile, on a distant continent, a lone cultivator had fought his way into the Zhao Kingdom, single-handedly destroying countless sects. Since then, no one bearing the Teng surname remained in Zhao Kingdomthe Teng family city had been razed to the ground.

In a quiet courtyard, Wang Lin knelt before his parents’ memorial tablets, lighting three sticks of incense. With family vengeance finally achieved, he could now walk his own path.

“Father, Mother, I’ve avenged our family. As I promised you, Tiezhu will bring home a good wife. Her name is Li Muwana gentle woman I deeply care for. She treats Tiezhu well, and I’m certain you would have adored her.”

“Your child must now follow his own path. Wait for Tiezhu to bring her back to pay respects to you.”

During his return journey from Zhao Kingdom, Wang Lin unexpectedly found himself pursued by an expert of profound cultivation. This relentless pursuit from Zhao Kingdom disrupted his original plan to return to Chu Kingdom. Knowing he couldn’t lead such danger back to the Cloud Heaven Sect, he diverted his course toward a fourth-level cultivation nation.

Having narrowly escaped, he contemplated the vast mysteries of the universethere were always greater powers beyond what one knew. The emergence of this pursuer named Naduo forced him to urgently enhance his cultivation level.

To awaken Situ and discover how to resurrect his parents, to protect those who matteredincluding the woman waiting year after year in the Southern Garden pavilion of Cloud Heaven Secthe had no choice but to strengthen his power.

Thus he resolved to achieve Spirit Transformation. But to transform his spirit, he must first transform his mortalityto experience the mortal world.

Back in Cloud Heaven Sect, Li Muwan leaned over her Pill Furnace where flames still danced. She occasionally tossed various herbs into the furnace, with batches of finished Elixirs covering the wooden table. On the clothes rack hung Wang Lin’s torn Dragonhide Armor, which she had repaired and tailored to fit his waist measurements.

“Master, you’re the sect leader now. Disciples can handle the Elixir refinement tasks,” Zhou Lin remarked while carrying freshly gathered Immortal Herbs.

These were the Elixirs destined for the upper-level cultivation nation. Within the sect, aside from Ouyang Zi, only she and one other elder could independently refine fifth-grade Elixirs.

The Elixirs to be submitted naturally required her utmost attention. No matter how busy she was with sect affairs, she insisted on handling them personally.

In her spare time, she never neglected studying sixth-grade Elixirs.

Were it not for Zhou Lin’s assistance, she might have been overwhelmed.

Over the years, she had managed Cloud Heaven Sect as if it existed solely to refine Elixirs for Wang Lin alone. However, the upper-level cultivation nation had repeatedly demanded Cloud Heaven Sect refine Elixirs for their needs. As sect master, Li Muwan had to both stabilize the sect’s morale and cope with pressure from the upper-level cultivation nation.

Having managed to handle previous incidents, she feared they had provoked the other sect. Zhou Lin rushed to the Southern Garden, gazing at Li Muwan’s back with a heart full of concern.

“Zhou Lin, what matter has you so flustered?”

Li Muwan had attempted Nascent Soul Formation some time ago without success and had been in seclusion recovering for several months, only emerging a few days prior.

“Master, the Grand Ancestors from the upper-level cultivation nation’s Heavenly Mountain Sect have come again.” Zhou Lin panted, explaining that the elders were already stalling them at the sect gates.

“What is their purpose this time?”

“You’ll know once you go, Master.”

Li Muwan remained composed, sensing this time might not be so simple. She couldn’t afford to lose her composure now. “Zhou Lin, send a message to the seniors in the Grand Ancestor Hall.”

“Yes, Master.”

Li Muwan rode her Flying Sword toward the mountain gate. The elders of Heavenly Mountain Sect had bullied others relying on their power more than once. The first time she experienced it, she was merely a newly arrived Guest Elder at Cloud Heaven Sect.

Following the gazes of the disciples, an elegant figure emerged from the clouds and mist.

“Elder Qingshan, it has been many years. Why are you dismantling my mountain gate?” A clear, dignified voice rang out from above.

Dressed in a light purple gauze robe with a flowing shawl, she descended slowly. Once standing, her demeanor was majestic as she bowed slightly to the Heavenly Mountain Sect elders.

The group didn’t recognize her. “And you are?”

“The sect master of Cloud Heaven Sect.”

The Heavenly Mountain Sect elders were astonished. “Has Cloud Heaven Sect changed leadership in less than two hundred years?”

They scrutinized Li Muwan. Her Cultivation level was only at the Core Formation Stage, and they couldn’t understand why Cloud Heaven Sect would appoint someone so junior as sect master. Then they noticed a murderous aura emanating from her, her lifted eyelids coldly sweeping over their arrogance.

Usually, she treated others with humility and respect. Even as sect master, she never put on airs and was amiable. This was the first time the elders and disciples had seen their sect master like this.

“Heavenly Mountain Sect and Cloud Heaven Sect have always been on good terms. Is this how Cloud Heaven Sect treats its guests?”

“Seniors have come from afar; as a junior, I naturally must treat you with courtesy.”

“Then why not open the mountain gate?”

Li Muwan raised her sleeve in invitation, stepping aside to make way. “Zhou Lin, please escort the seniors into the sect.”

In Cloud Heaven Sect’s reception hall, Li Muwan sat in the host seat, her commanding presence overshadowing everyone else.

The Grand Ancestors had all arrived, sitting in one row opposite the Heavenly Mountain Sect elders.

“Cloud Heaven, it’s been a century. Cloud Heaven Sect actually worships a mere Core Formation Stage girl as sect master?” one elder mocked.

Zhou Lin served tea to everyone. Li Muwan’s fair, slender fingers held the teacup, bringing it to her nose to savor the aroma. The hall fell silent as the Grand Ancestors waited for her to speak.

Only the soft clink of Li Muwan’s teacup was heard as she took a sip, savoring it slowly.

“Esteemed seniors, this is Cloud Heaven Sect’s first batch of spring tea this year. It tastes quite good. You’ve come from afar, and I have yet to fulfill my duties as host.”

Cloud Heaven rose with respect, then glanced disdainfully at the Heavenly Mountain Sect members. “Sect Master, you summoned us some time ago. Are you facing a difficult matter?”

“The Grand Ancestor has been in seclusion for quite some time, and I really shouldn’t disturb him. However, with Elder Qingshan’s visit this time, there are certain matters I cannot decide alone. I must ask the Grand Ancestors for their opinions.” Li Muwan lightly tapped the table with her knuckles, exuding an aura of strategic confidence.

The matters she claimed indecision over weren’t truly beyond her ability to decide, but rather her cultivation level was insufficient, requiring the Grand Ancestors to intervene when necessary.

“Merely at the Core Formation Stage, yet able to command these Nascent Soul Stage cultivators. This young girl is quite intriguing.” Elder Qingshan’s voice transmission reached the ears of the Tianshan Sect elders, making the figure seated high above increasingly unfathomable to them.

Qingshan: “We come not as enemies. Our two sects have maintained friendly relations for many years, and Cloud Heaven Sect’s elixirs truly live up to their reputation.”

“The alliance has ended. What are your intentions?” Li Muwan retracted the smile from her eyes, her vigilance gradually rising.

“Naturally, to draft a new alliance. We come with sincerity.”

Elder Qingshan presented the agreement, the jade slip landing before Li Muwan.

“Cloud Heaven Sect will regularly supply these elixirs, while Tianshan Sect, as envoys dispatched by the superior cultivation nation, are no bandits – we will pay the corresponding spirit stones.”

“These medicinal ingredients are extremely precious. Setting aside the price, even with sufficient spirit stones, they’re practically unavailable on the market. Isn’t Elder Qingshan making things difficult for me?” Li Muwan glanced at the required elixirs on the list – many of which she had never refined before.

The reason being they required immense spiritual power or used rare, hard-to-find ingredients. This was nothing short of coercion, yet they made it sound so righteous.

The crowd grew more anxious upon hearing this. Elder Qingshan, seeing she didn’t falter but remained composed, noted how she maintained her commanding presence from start to finish, proving difficult to manipulate.

“Hmph, so you mean to say you no longer wish to maintain friendly relations with Tianshan Sect? If that’s the case, there’s no need to preserve past sentiments today.” Suddenly, Qingshan unleashed a magical art.

The previously destroyed mountain protection formation had already been repaired by a fourth-level cultivation nation. Cloud Heaven Son immediately activated the Cloud Heaven Grand Formation upon seeing this. Having witnessed the formation’s power before, Li Muwan wouldn’t have invited them into the sect for tea negotiations otherwise.

If negotiations failed and Tianshan Sect resorted to coercion, she wouldn’t stand by idly and let herself be slaughtered.

Once they entered the sect and triggered the Cloud Heaven Grand Formation, there was still a chance to confront them.

Qingshan: “The Cloud Heaven Grand Formation? I’ve heard of it. But do you really think a mere mountain protection formation can stop us?”

“It’s Tianshan Sect’s Heaven-Man Hammer.” Cloud Heaven Son formed hand seals, feeling awe toward the magical artifact in Elder Qingshan’s hand. “Even though we’re all at the peak of late Nascent Soul Stage, facing such a powerful artifact, we can’t guarantee complete victory. I promised to protect the sect leader’s safety, young friend. Even if I die today, I will ensure your security.”

“As the sect leader, how could I let my seniors sacrifice themselves first?” Li Muwan’s voice echoed through the hall. With a powerful impact, thick fog pressed down from the sky, blocking all sunlight above. A restriction banner appeared in her hand, dispersing the spiritual power gathered by the Heaven-Man Hammer.

“This is…” The crowd stared in astonishment at its power, unable to believe their eyes.

Elder Qingshan frowned, beginning to regret making an enemy of her. “This… is a Restriction Banner. I never thought such a treasure would exist here on Vermilion Bird Star.”

Immediately after, a wisp of purple light emerged from between Li Muwan’s eyebrows. A ferocious, nine-foot-tall demon beast materialized behind her, immediately devouring the soul of one of Tianshan Sect’s Core Formation Stage cultivators.

The accompanying crowd grew even more astonished and fearful upon seeing this. “This… is this a Demon Beast? What origins does this Demon Beast have?”

“A Core Formation Stage cultivator who can command Nascent Soul Stage experts to bow before her and even summon Demon Beasts? This fiend who attacks with soul power is no simple character. She likely has backing from someone at least at the God Transformation Stage,” speculated the Heavenly Mountain Sect members.

Spiritual Power surged from Li Muwan’s body. Even with the Restriction Banner, her Core Formation Stage cultivation couldn’t withstand several Nascent Soul Stage experts. Summoning Xiao Ling earlier was merely a preemptive strike to seize the initiative and dominate the momentum.

“Cloud Heaven Sect Leader,” Elder Qing Shan eyed her sharply, “where did you obtain that object in your hand?”

“My husband gifted it to me.”

Elder Qing Shan’s figure stiffened momentarily.

“Did you subdue this Demon Beast yourself?”

“My husband refined it,” Li Muwan replied unhurriedly, her voice calm and measured.

Understanding dawned on Qing Shan. No wonder she dared to act so fearlessly in the Chu Kingdom’s number one major sect. The only question was who this “husband” she mentioned might be. If they truly became enemies, and their superior cultivation nation couldn’t obtain the required elixirs, the Heavenly Mountain Sect would surely face blame. It wouldn’t be worthwhile to make an enemy of her now.

“Why must your sect be so guarded, Sect Leader? You mentioned earlier that these medicinal herbs are priceless. Our Heavenly Mountain Sect will naturally provide them. As long as you supply the required quantity on time, you may set the price in spirit stones and treasures.”

Li Muwan had no intention of having Cloud Heaven Sect refine elixirs for another sect for another hundred years.

She maintained her composure in handling affairs, never agreeing blindly. This was the first time the sect’s Grand Ancestors had seen her wielding the Restriction Banner, personally defending the sect’s entrance.

Behind her stood the Second Demon and various Grand Ancestors left by Wang Lin. She stood at the forefront, like a female general leading thousands of troops into battle.

“The quantity of these elixirs is enormous. To deliver them on schedule would require a hundred-year contract on the Jade Slip. If our sect only refines elixirs for Heavenly Mountain Sect for a century, how will our disciples advance their cultivation?” She waved the Restriction Banner again as Xiao Ling bared its fangs. The four Grand Ancestors simultaneously made their moves, with Zhou Lin positioning himself protectively before her.

“Sect Leader, wait!” Elder Qing Shan raised his hand, recalling his Heavenly Hammer, his tone turning polite. “Our two sects have maintained friendly relations for a century, not just giving without receiving. Our sect promises to supply rare medicinal materials and teach your disciples cultivation methods. The alliance could last eighty years…”

“Fifty years,” Li Muwan interrupted. “I am not an unreasonable person. Cloud Heaven Sect has certainly benefited from Elder Qing Shan’s assistance over the years. I will set the quantities myself. Your sect may send someone to collect the elixirs every six months, and I guarantee the amounts will never be less than promised.”

“Master is Cloud Heaven Sect’s only sixth-grade alchemist,” Zhou Lin declared proudly.

“Sixth grade?” Elder Qing Shan couldn’t help but feel reverence. “A Core Formation Stage cultivator capable of refining sixth-grade elixirs…”

“I have no objections. We shall follow the Sect Leader’s proposal.”

The Heavenly Mountain Sect didn’t want the situation to escalate. Within superior cultivation nations, numerous sects constantly competed for cultivation resources over millennia. Without elixir supplies from other nations’ sects, it would be difficult to maintain a sect’s prolonged prosperity.

Wanting to rely on a well-established sect like Cloud Heaven Sect to refine their required elixirs, both parties eventually compromised through negotiation.

Cloud Heaven Sect would regularly refine and tribute elixirs annually, while the superior cultivation nation would ensure Cloud Heaven Sect’s security.

As sect leader, her primary duty was considering the sect’s safety while also planning for its long-term development.

In recent years, Cloud Heaven Sect had been widely recruiting disciples. Under her management, a perfect alchemy system had formed that could both meet the superior cultivation nation’s elixir supply requirements and refine large quantities of elixirs for Wang Lin.

“These are the elixirs requested by the upper cultivation nations, the final batch.” She had been refining them day and night for months, fine beads of sweat dotting her forehead, her face pale and bloodless.

Zhou Lin was deeply concerned. “Master, you should rest. Overexerting yourself like this to refine elixirs will damage your cultivation level.”

“I know my limits. The sect has sent some jade slips recentlyhandle them for me.” Li Muwan drank some Spirit Elixir, and her Spiritual Power recovered slightly.

It was what Wang Lin had left for her before he departed.

Zhou Lin shook his head worriedly and left the Southern Garden.

She stood up, took out a handkerchief to wipe her forehead, and leaned on the cool terrace railing. The wind slipped down from the eaves, dispersing her weariness as she thought of someone in her heart.

[Soul Pearl: Over millennia, I have absorbed countless Souls of Life, but I’ve never encountered one as stubborn as you.]

[Li Muwan: Do you still remember the first person who reclaimed their Soul of Life?]

[Soul Pearl: Among all living beings… was it a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator? No, that’s not right. A Core Formation cultivator? Not that either…]

Li Muwan shook her head and put away the Soul Pearl.

Fifty years had passed. The peach blossoms in Cloud Heaven Sect bloomed and fell, and new disciples swarmed into the sect.

Ordinary low-level newcomers had never even seen the sect master of the Southern Garden.

They only occasionally heard music drifting from that courtyard, as if someone there was waiting day after day.

The alliance with Tian Shan Sect had ended. Out of courtesy and to maintain mutual benefits, Li Muwan no longer accepted elixir orders from them but agreed to train elite alchemy disciples for Tian Shan Sect, supplying the sect with talent.

Disciples from both sects could voluntarily study at each other’s institutions.

Meanwhile, Wang Lin, who had spent decades living as a mortal within the Four Sect Alliance, had gained profound insights and successfully achieved Spirit Transformation after returning to Zhao. He was fully prepared to journey to the Immortal Realm of Rain to seize treasure.

Decades passeda mere blink in the World of Cultivation. On this journey, he had one more task: far away, in a distant cultivation nation, someone was waiting for him to come home.

It was time to return to her.

Lately, Li Muwan had been distracted while refining elixirs, feeling as though something was about to happen. She asked Zhou Lin several times about sect affairs, and though he assured her nothing was amiss, she remained unsettled.

She summoned Xiao Ling. “Xiao Ling, can you sense your master?”

Xiao Ling, holding an elixir Li Muwan had just given her with her long black nails, paused for a moment before shaking her head. Li Muwan lowered her gaze with a sigh, withdrawing her focus, a trace of loneliness flickering in her eyes.