Chapter 97 – Holy Son of Black Lotus Sect, Storm Is Coming

As soon as Shen Feiyang entered the derelict factory, he immediately saw eleven diverse individuals gathered there.

There were men and women, some fat and some thin.

Without exception, all of them possessed cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Stage, and each wore a mask that could block spiritual sense detection.

This made Shen Feiyang secretly think to himself:

A bunch of sneaky cowards, no wonder you can only hide in the sewers.

Unlike me—I’m a properly registered official!

With this inexplicable sense of superiority, even though Shen Feiyang was the only Qi Condensation Stage cultivator present, he was the most arrogant of them all.

Not only did he walk with an air of importance, but he also held his chin slightly raised, presenting a punchable face that seemed to look down on everyone through his nostrils.

He exuded an aura of mysterious confidence from head to toe.

Such behavior somewhat intimidated the other eleven people who were unaware of his background.

A Missionary wearing a ‘Number Seven’ mask, with a robust physique that clearly identified him as a fitness enthusiast, couldn’t help but whisper to the woman beside him wearing a ‘Number Nine’ mask, who had an enchanting figure: “What’s the deal with this new Number Ten? Why does he seem so full of himself?”

The woman with the Number Nine mask, upon hearing this, calmly took a drag from her lady’s cigarette and retorted: “Is being full of yourself against the law?”

“Huh?!”

The muscular Number Seven scratched the back of his head and couldn’t help but think to himself:

Oh right, being full of yourself isn’t against the law… So he really can act that way!

Seeing how easily Number Seven was fooled, Number Nine shook her head inwardly.

Being full of yourself isn’t against the law, but it makes you a target for a beating!

Just wait, someone will soon put that Number Ten in his place.

As Number Nine predicted, shortly after Shen Feiyang entered the dilapidated factory, a gaunt man wearing a ‘Number Twelve’ mask approached him.

“Are you the new Number Ten?”

Sensing Number Twelve’s Foundation Establishment cultivation, Shen Feiyang replied “coldly”: “What, are you looking to die?”

Whoa!

As soon as Shen Feiyang and Number Twelve exchanged these fiery words, the atmosphere in the dilapidated factory instantly became lively.

Fight, hurry up and fight!

This way we’ll have a good show to watch!

Their eagerness to watch the drama unfold was entirely due to the unique nature of positions within the Black Lotus Sect.

It must be understood that in the Black Lotus Sect, there’s always one position for each role.

A city can only have twelve Missionaries, one Altar Lord, and one Vice-Altar Lord.

And one Black Lotus Protector can oversee two sub-altars.

Therefore, to advance within the Black Lotus Sect, besides challenging existing superiors, the main method is to develop additional sub-altars whenever possible.

After all, each new sub-altar creates twelve Missionary positions and two Altar Lord/Vice-Altar Lord positions.

Depending on their rank, Black Lotus Sect members receive vastly different levels of ‘blessings’.

This disparity exists even among the twelve Missionaries.

Thus, both Number Eleven and Number Twelve below him were quite dissatisfied with Shen Feiyang, who had directly replaced the previous ‘Number Ten’ Missionary.

After all, this wasn’t just a simple numerical order—it directly affected how much benefit they could obtain from the Black Lotus Sect.The struggle for benefits, combined with Shen Feiyang’s mere cultivation at the ninth layer of the Qi Condensation Stage, suddenly made Number Twelve suspect that this newcomer, “Number Ten,” might have gotten in through connections rather than genuine skill.

Though unsure which influential figure had arranged Shen Feiyang’s entry, Number Twelve felt that since the Black Lotus Sect had established rules allowing disciples to compete with one another, challenging Shen Feiyang wouldn’t be out of line.

After all, he’s just a kid at the Qi Condensation Stage—what gives him the right to stand above me? Just because he’s a connection hire?

I, Number Twelve… specialize in taking down connection hires!

“Kid, you’re nothing but…”

Just as Number Twelve was about to put Shen Feiyang in his place, a murderous intent locked onto him, freezing his expression instantly.

Stiffly, Number Twelve looked up and saw an ancient Fierce Ghost clad in battle armor, holding a horn bow, standing silently on a beam of the abandoned factory.

Its cold, indifferent eyes bore into him.

The undisguised killing intent in its gaze and the chilling gleam from the arrowhead sent a shiver down Number Twelve’s spine.

In an instant, his bravado vanished, and his attitude shifted completely.

“Sorry, bro, I was too loud just now. Please, come right in.”

Seeing his sudden change, the other Missionaries around lost interest, their eyes filled with contempt toward Number Twelve.

But he didn’t mind much.

What’s wrong with bowing to the strong?

Survival is what matters—no shame in that!

After all, how much is dignity really worth?

As Shen Feiyang passed by, he remarked coolly, “I have several more like him. If you’d like to see…”

“No, no! Bro, please come in quickly. Everyone’s been waiting for you.”

Number Twelve shook his head vigorously like a rattle-drum, hastily indicating he had no intention of confronting Shen Feiyang.

Satisfied, Shen Feiyang nodded.

In truth, his words weren’t aimed at Number Twelve but at the others present.

While the mysterious female ghost’s soul-summoning banner indeed housed many powerful Fierce Ghosts, summoning them consumed his own Spiritual Power.

Thus, Shen Feiyang’s current limit was summoning only two Fierce Ghosts at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

However, the others were unaware of this limitation and were somewhat intimidated by his claim.

Moreover, even if he could only summon one Foundation Establishment Stage Fierce Ghost, that alone qualified Shen Feiyang to attend this meeting.

Consequently, no one looked down on him anymore, despite his Qi Condensation Stage cultivation.

Some even gazed at him thoughtfully, as if realizing something.

Shen Feiyang quietly noted those individuals.

He suspected they might have seen his performance in the Three-School Joint Exam and were speculating about his identity.

After all, a Qi Condensation Stage cultivator summoning a Foundation Establishment Stage Fierce Ghost was a rather distinctive trait.

Even though the arrow-wielding ghost he summoned this time hadn’t appeared in the exam, within Luocheng, he was likely the only one capable of such a feat at the Qi Condensation Stage.

Therefore, anyone who had watched that segment of the joint exam might easily deduce his real-world identity.

But… so what if they guessed?

If he were an ordinary Missionary, he might worry about his identity being exposed.But aside from being a missionary of the Black Lotus Sect, his other identity was that of an undercover agent of the Shanhai Bureau!

Go ahead and search, search all you want. In the end, you’ll find out that I, my friend… am completely unafraid of being exposed!

After all, I’m a government employee—I’m on the imperial payroll, got it? You rats!

As Shen Feiyang also took his seat, all twelve missionaries of Luocheng had gathered.

Just as Shen Feiyang was wondering who had summoned them all, a man in a suit, wearing a “venomous snake” mask, emerged from the shadows.

Upon seeing him, the others immediately bowed respectfully and said, “We pay our respects to Altar Lord Serpent.”

Based on the animals of the Chinese zodiac, the Black Lotus Sect had established twelve branch altars across the Nine Provinces.

Each altar lord held a corresponding zodiac title.

“Serpent” was the title of the Black Lotus Sect’s branch altar in Luocheng.

Serpent scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Shen Feiyang.

Amid everyone’s curious stares, Serpent approached Shen Feiyang and calmly said, “I’ve already heard about your situation from the Deputy Leader. So, you don’t need to participate in this matter. Just focus on keeping yourself hidden.”

What?!

Hearing Serpent’s words, the others were instantly shocked.

Damn, the Deputy Leader?!

So this kid has such powerful connections!

At this thought, the looks they gave Shen Feiyang were no longer hostile but clearly ingratiating.

After all, if they could build a good relationship with Shen Feiyang, they might also climb the ladder to the Deputy Leader’s favor.

In truth, if this had been before Yu Tianqi was recruited and given an official position, Shen Feiyang might have immediately agreed to Serpent’s suggestion to slack off.

But now, with his undercover identity, Shen Feiyang actually wanted to get involved in the Black Lotus Sect’s affairs.

Only by doing so could he gather enough intelligence and earn the trust of the sect’s higher-ups as much as possible.

So, looking at Serpent with great seriousness, he said, “The Deputy Leader is the Deputy Leader, and I am me. There’s no need for special treatment.”

Serpent stared into Shen Feiyang’s determined eyes for a long time, seemingly moved by his strong “desire to achieve merits,” and finally said, “Fine, I’ll report this to the Deputy Leader. But until then, you’d better not take any action on your own.”

“After all, we have important matters at hand. Not only has Protector Thousand Poisons personally arrived, but other Protectors will also reach Luocheng in the coming days.”

What? So a Black Lotus Protector has already come to Luocheng, and more are on the way?

What exactly is the Black Lotus Sect planning? Why are they gathering so many Golden Core Stage cultivators?!

Outwardly calm, Shen Feiyang’s heart was roiling with shock, and he felt an inexplicable sense of an impending storm.

It was worth noting that the Black Lotus Sect currently had only six Protectors.

Each of them possessed unique talents far surpassing ordinary Golden Core Stage cultivators.

Adding Serpent, the Altar Lord, and the Vice-Altar Lord whose whereabouts were unknown, the Black Lotus Sect already had at least three Golden Core Stage cultivators openly in Luocheng.

At this thought, Shen Feiyang decided that after the meeting ended, he might need to have a good talk with Lord Yu.

After all, the Black Lotus Sect’s actions this time were far too unusual.

Were they… placing a bit too much importance on Luocheng?What exactly is in Luocheng that they value it to such an extent?

Just as Shen Feiyang was lost in thought, Serpent began explaining their mission.

“In a few days, I need you to hunt down the targets on your respective lists according to this roster.”

As he spoke, Serpent handed a list to the group.

Upon seeing the names, everyone was shocked.

The people listed were essentially all prominent figures in Luocheng.

If they were killed, not only would Luocheng quickly descend into chaos,

but the Immortal Alliance would also be enraged and swiftly dispatch numerous Great Cultivators to conduct a thorough purge of the city,

searching for anyone who might be associated with the Black Lotus Sect.

At this thought, the silent Number One spoke up.

“Lord Serpent, are you certain we should do this?”

“If we proceed, the entire Luocheng branch will be compromised. Although we’ve remained well-hidden, taking action will inevitably expose us to the Immortal Alliance’s scrutiny, leaving us with nowhere left to hide.”

Hearing this, Serpent turned to Number One and replied coldly, “You need only obey orders. The rest is not your concern.”

“…”

At Serpent’s words, everyone’s expressions turned grim.

They detected an unsettling implication in his tone—

as if they were about to be sacrificed as pawns.

Seemingly guessing their concerns, Serpent immediately dangled the mission’s reward.

“A single blessing. Every survivor of this mission will receive one opportunity for a blessing.”

“Those who successfully eliminate their targets will receive an additional blessing.”

At the mention of “blessing,” everyone’s eyes instantly lit up.

‘Black Lotus Blessing’—this was the primary reason they had joined the Black Lotus Sect.

For the vast majority of cultivators, Foundation Establishment was nearly the peak they could achieve in this lifetime.

Advancing further to the revered Golden Core?

They held little hope.

But obtaining a Black Lotus Blessing changed everything.

Though the effects varied—some experienced a surge in Aptitude, others Awakened unique Divine Abilities, and some even had their cultivation directly elevated—

opportunities to defy heaven and change one’s fate were rare in this world, and the Black Lotus Blessing was one of them.

Among the Missionaries present, only three had previously received a blessing.

They were the top three of the twelve Missionaries.

Thus, upon hearing that mere survival guaranteed at least one Black Lotus Blessing,

the previously discontent Missionaries immediately fell silent.

“When exactly do we make our move?”

Number Two, looking calmly at the name Mu Chengjun—Captain of the Luocheng Enforcement Team—on the list, inquired.

Hearing this, Serpent replied meaningfully, “Don’t worry. When the day comes, you’ll know.”

“For now, lie low and avoid exposing yourselves.”

“Alright, the rest of you may leave. Number Ten, stay behind.”

The others cast complicated glances at Shen Feiyang before filing out.

Once only Serpent and Shen Feiyang remained in the dilapidated factory,

Serpent walked over and sat down beside him.

“Although you insisted strongly, the Deputy Leader has repeatedly instructed me to ensure your protection.””So for this operation, just go through the motions. No need to throw your life away like the others.”

Huh?

Hearing this, Shen Feiyang’s pupils instantly contracted.

What did he mean, throw their lives away?

Perhaps due to absolute trust in the Deputy Leader behind Shen Feiyang, Serpent laid his cards on the table: “You’re someone the Deputy Leader has his eye on, which is why I’m telling you this.”

“Whether they succeed in their mission or not doesn’t matter to us at all.”

“Because once they start taking action, our objective will be achieved.”

“Besides, I don’t fully trust these people. There’s no guarantee there aren’t spies from the Immortal Alliance among them.”

“After all, they only joined the sect in the last ten years. It’s hard for me to trust them completely.”

Hearing this, Shen Feiyang couldn’t help but say: “Then why do you trust me so much? What if I’m also a spy from the Immortal Alliance?”

Serpent couldn’t help but laugh at these words, clearly amused by Shen Feiyang.

“If even you were a spy, then our Black Lotus Sect wouldn’t have survived until today.”

“Someone chosen by the Deputy Leader could never be a spy from the Shanhai Bureau.”

This… such confidence?!

Looking at Serpent who trusted him so completely, Shen Feiyang couldn’t help but mutter to himself.

Bro, actually your Deputy Leader… isn’t very good at judging people.

I really am a spy!

“Then what exactly is our real mission this time?”

Serpent looked meaningfully at Shen Feiyang and said: “To find our Holy Son…”

Huh???

Shen Feiyang stared at Serpent in astonishment, not quite understanding what he was saying.

Wait, if you’re looking for the Holy Son, then just look for him. Why do you need to make such a big commotion with everyone?

Could it be that this so-called Holy Son you’re looking for doesn’t even consider himself the Holy Son, and you’re planning to kidnap him by force?

Thinking this, Shen Feiyang couldn’t help but ask: “Have you found him then?”

Serpent nodded, then said nothing more.

Seeing this, Shen Feiyang knew he probably wouldn’t get much more information out of him.

First the Deputy Leader of the Black Lotus Sect, now the Holy Envoy of the Black Lotus Sect.

Why has this small Luocheng suddenly become so lively…

(End of Chapter)