Former Interstellar Mercenary In Urban Cultivation World
Chapter 993: Reunited (Part 1)

Chapter 993: Reunited (Part 1)

"I also agree that we should join forces," Yunse Qiao added. "If we can enter the Immortal Spring, all the better. But even if we can’t, we can’t let ourselves be trapped here in the palace."

After they had spoken, the others turned to the representatives of the Green Lotus Sect, Eternal One Sect, and Divine Maiden Sect.

The gathered representatives from the Green Lotus Sect were Taeseon Lei and his two companions. Of the three, only Seongwoo Jin had recently reached the Soul Formation’s Great Perfection stage, while the other two had successfully broken through to the Deity Transformation stage. Theirs was the only sect present with two Deity Transformation cultivators, giving them a notable advantage.

In the Eternal One Sect, only Temujin Lei had broken through, while the Divine Maiden Sect’s representative was Gan Mulan.

The energy available in the Immortal Palace had allowed many to break through suddenly, so the increased number of Deity Transformation cultivators surprised no one.

The only surprise came from the Green Lotus Sect itself: Eunbyeol Ling, originally at the Later Soul Formation stage, had managed to leap two levels to reach Deity Transformation faster than Seongwoo Jin. With Eunbyeol Ling’s breakthrough, and the probable advances of Jirandal Tang and Jinhwa Hou, the Green Lotus Sect might soon have four Deity Transformation cultivators.

This was not good news for others, particularly for the Eternal One Sect and the Demonic Night Sect.

Seonho Ming, who once had a chance to break through, was severely injured by a Deity Transformation wandering spirit and had spent much of his time recovering. Dongjian Zhao, too, had yet to break through after suffering a debilitating blow from Kenny Lin, who inflicted more than surface wounds. Instead, his junior disciple Raon Lai was the one who managed to reach the Great Perfection stage.

Besides these, cultivators like Hanjun Wangye and Chohwan Jin had also seized the opportunity to break through.

Before entering the Path of All Immortal, their cultivations had already reached the peak, so they only needed the right moment to advance. Since they lacked the senior-junior support structures other sects enjoyed, they were more inclined to cooperate—without allies, finding the Immortal Spring would be nearly impossible.

"We’re open to an alliance," Taeseon Lei agreed, "but if anyone tries to backstab us, the Green Lotus Sect won’t take it lightly!" His voice carried a faint killing intent as he gave the Eternal One Sect and Demonic Night Sect a pointed look.

"Of course. With four Deity Transformation cultivators, the Green Lotus Sect has no need to join a larger alliance if they don’t wish to," Wonji Hong replied with a wry smile.

"But there are still quite a few others who haven’t made it here yet. Should we wait for them or move out?"

"I suggest using Lotus Mirage Hall as a base. We can stay here for now, gather everyone, and combine our strength. With all of us together, there’s no way we can’t break out of this palace."

"The timing won’t wait for us," Seonho Ming scoffed. "If we don’t strike while the iron is hot, we’ll end up digging our own graves when the wandering spirit completely surrounds us."

"I agree with the Eternal One Sect," Hori Cheng nodded.

"So do I," added Dongjian Zhao with a grim expression.

"With our combined strength, why should we fear an assault from the wandering spirit?" Yunse Qiao said arrogantly. "If a Deity Transformation wandering spirit shows up, we’ll just kill it."

Gan Mulan turned to Jiao Yan and the others. "What do you all think? I believe we should wait."

"Of course, we should wait," replied Eunbyeol Ling, her cold gaze piercing through them as if she saw through their intentions. "If you’re all so impatient, you’re free to go ahead and fight your way through on your own."

"The wandering spirits have realized we aren’t easy prey and have already sent many Deity Transformation stage spirits after us," Temujin Lei said icily. "If they realize we’re gathering here and send a Unity stage wandering spirit, will any of us survive? It’s fine if you want to wait for your sect members, but don’t endanger everyone else."

"Finally, a split in opinions," Seongwoo Jin remarked with some schadenfreude.

"Those who walk different paths need not work together," Taeseon Lei said indifferently. "Since we can’t reach an agreement, let’s split up. Those who wish to stay and wait can stay, and those who don’t can leave."

"Then let’s part ways," Gan Mulan was the first to agree. "I’ll stay here and wait."

Hearing this, Temujin Lei’s face darkened like a gathering storm cloud.

The alchemists from the Pill Sect and the sorcerers from the God and Demon Sect spoke up as well.

"I’m staying."

"I’m not."

Reaching Artifact Refining Valley, two opposing views emerged suddenly.

"If you want to stay, then stay," Mino Pei said to Su Ming dismissively, clearly unbothered by their disagreement.

Su Ming furrowed his brows, about to say something to persuade him, but his senior brother pulled him back, shaking his head lightly and whispering, "Don’t bother. Like Taeseon Lei said, those who walk different paths don’t work together."

Mino Pei, as the Valley Master’s direct disciple, was a legitimate heir of Artifact Refining Valley and had always clashed with them back in the valley, rarely associating with them otherwise.

"Let’s go," he said.

The cultivators from the Eternal One Sect and Demonic Night Sect left first, followed by Mino Pei and Hori Cheng with their groups.

Of the scattered cultivators led by Hanjun Wangye, only a few decided to go with them; the rest chose to stay.

...

Taeseon Lei and the others, while claiming to wait for their companions, had no intention of sitting idly by.

He gathered everyone and instructed them to share their experiences and knowledge of the terrain they had encountered. By consolidating this information, they could avoid becoming disorganized during an all-out battle with the wandering souls.

Midway through their discussion, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed.