Chapter 36: The Invitation from the Hidden Moon Sect

After Wang Linger became pregnant, Lin Yang spent most of his time accompanying her, hoping she would give birth to their child happily. It was said in a diagnosis from a previous life that pregnant women were prone to psychological issues during pregnancy, and company was the best remedy.

Now, Lin Yang sat in the small courtyard, telling stories to Wang Linger. With his knowledge, he was familiar with many tales that spanned eras, but to make them accessible to her, he chose mostly ancient stories—such as the classic story of the Beautiful Ghost, set in ancient times, or the tale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, and other well-known legends.

Wang Linger listened quietly as he spoke, while Yun Ting beside them kept urging him to speed up. At that moment, the sound-transmission talisman at Lin Yang’s waist vibrated. This one was from Ancestor Linghu.

Lin Yang picked it up and used his spiritual sense to read the message inside.

"What on earth?" The message explained that the Hidden Moon Sect was hosting an alchemist exchange conference, inviting the six major sects. Ancestor Linghu wanted Lin Yang to attend. This was not something Lin Yang could refuse; declining would cause Ancestor Linghu to lose face, which could be dangerous for him.

Attending should be safe, especially since the letter said his senior sister would accompany him—she was a Golden Core cultivator after all, a guarantee of safety. Moreover, the rewards allegedly included a technique for tempering the soul, something Lin Yang needed.

He told Wang Linger and Yun Ting about it.

"Linger, I need to go out for a while."

"What is it?"

He explained the situation to Wang Linger.

"When will you leave?"

"The event starts in three days. I have to return to the sect now."

...

In the Da Yue Mountains of Jianzhou, Yue Kingdom.

Lin Yang was on his way to Ancestor Linghu’s cave in Yellow Maple Valley. Along the way, he encountered many disciples, some of whom greeted him.

Arriving at the formation, he followed the path to the cave entrance and went inside.

"Ancestor."

"You’ve come," Ancestor Linghu said, sitting cross-legged with his back to Lin Yang.

"Yes, Ancestor."

"Good. This time, it's the conference of seven sects. I hope you bring back the top place again. The reputation of Yellow Maple Valley depends on you. Go now, and Hong Fu will accompany you," Ancestor Linghu continued.

"Yes, Ancestor."

"Let’s go," Senior Sister led Lin Yang out.

...

"When do we leave?" Lin Yang asked.

"Right now. We’ll arrive two days early to get familiar with the place. Besides, there are so many beauties there. Wouldn’t it be nice if a few of them took a liking to you? Maybe you’ll find someone to dual cultivate with." She teased.

"Senior Sister, you jest," Lin Yang replied, helpless. The age gap was too great for him to tease her back—it would just make him look like a rogue, and he had no wish to be slapped to death.

Hong Fu eyed Lin Yang’s innocent demeanor. "Did my disciple manage to win you over?"

"Well..." Only now did Lin Yang realize the three women had conspired together.

"Everything went according to your plan," Lin Yang said, resigned.

"Good, so my disciple has fulfilled her wish, and you have another Dao companion—perfect for both."

"Fine, let’s hurry. We’ll leave now."

"Right."

Senior Sister promptly grabbed Lin Yang by the collar, lifting him into the air.

"Put me down—I can walk myself!" Lin Yang protested in vain, carried off in this embarrassing manner.

Hidden Moon Sect.

It was said to have split from the Joyous Union Sect, but later severed ties and was no longer part of the demonic path.

By the time they reached Hidden Moon Sect, night had fallen and the moon was bright. A large cloud obscured much of the moon, casting the lakeshore in shadow, and the trees’ silhouettes shifted heavily in the breeze. Then the moon slipped past the cloud, which brushed by, revealing a poignant beauty.

They entered the grand formation and, flying in, saw two towering peaks piercing the sky, with numerous houses arranged in neat rings along the cliffs.

At night, the two peaks glowed like lighthouses, illuminating the river below. Streets lined both banks, and from the sky, the roads resembled two leather cords stretched across the river.

Following two disciples into Hidden Moon Sect, they found the place bustling and brightly lit despite the late hour, filled with the scents of cosmetics and powder. Many couples strolled the small streets together.

This beautiful place was saturated with the sweet and sour air of romance.

Further in lay the true residential quarters, built on a plain carved out by the river’s flow. The sect's buildings were arranged with perfect order, forming concentric circles around a central point, resembling a target. The high cliffs bore the inscription "Twin Gorge Gate."

It seemed as if the architect had an obsession with order. At the very center was a large plaza, where a twenty-meter-tall conical crystal stood, radiating gentle light.

Within the innermost circle stood three buildings: the main hall, the task hall, and the contribution hall.

The library of cultivation methods was not visible—after all, any prudent cultivator would keep such things well hidden.

"Master Hong Fu."

"Sister Nangong."

Nangong Wan arrived and led Hong Fu and Lin Yang to their lodgings.

She guided them leftward for five or six hundred meters, meandering through the corridors before finally reaching a quiet guesthouse.

"Master Hong Fu and this Daoist friend, please make do here for a few nights. The alchemist conference will be over soon."

"Fellow Daoist Nangong, your sect has never held an alchemist conference before. Why now?" Lin Yang stopped Nangong Wan.

"Well, it’s not exactly a secret. The granddaughter of our Nascent Soul master was attacked by demonic cultivators while training outside. The Hidden Moon Sect’s own alchemists were unable to help, so they hope the visiting alchemists can create a life-saving pill."

"Isn’t this decision a bit rash?" Lin Yang blurted out. To go to such lengths for a granddaughter, even invoking the sect’s name, seemed a waste of resources in the cultivation world.

It was obvious the Nascent Soul master had paid a heavy price.

"I heard that when the Nascent Soul master was old, he finally had a son. But thirty years ago, his son was killed by the Ghost Spirit Sect. That granddaughter is his last surviving bloodline," Nangong Wan explained.

"It seems that catering to their needs this time should guarantee first place," Lin Yang thought confidently. He remembered nearly dying last time, yet survived. He even had the Elixir of Life, and an even better Creation Pill—though the ingredients for the latter were expensive.

"Please rest well, fellow Daoists."

"Goodbye, Fellow Daoist Nangong."

"Goodbye."

...