On Cangzhu Peak, Chu Muran and Daoist Wen suddenly heard the resounding gong from outside and were both taken aback. Wang Guangyuan’s letter had only recently been delivered to the mountain, and now the sect was gathering disciples at this moment, which certainly hinted at something unusual.

The two of them couldn’t afford to think of anything else for the moment and immediately left their Cave Mansions, riding on a smoke mist, and flew upwards towards the mountain.

In no time, they reached the grand hall halfway up the mountain. Landing on the open space in front of the hall, Daoist Wen hurriedly strode inside, only to see Zhao Ge sitting alone in the hall. He couldn’t help but be surprised and called out, "Junior Brother, do you know why the gong was rung? Has something happened within the sect?"

Chu Muran also came in, looking at Zhao Ge with a tense expression, dreading to hear any bad news.

Zhao Ge stood up and greeted with a Daoist bow, "The gong was rung by me, Junior Brother."

Daoist Wen was taken aback for a moment, then his eyes lit up as he muttered to himself, "Could it be that the Pavilion Master is calling us all together to challenge Wang Guangyuan?"

Zhao Ge shook his head and said, "I am only acting under the Pavilion Master’s orders; I know nothing else."

Chu Muran suddenly felt uneasy and reprimanded, "Junior Brother, stop talking nonsense. What use would it be for us to get involved in a fight between Nascent Soul cultivators?" Taking a step forward, he asked, "Junior Brother Zhao, where is the Pavilion Master now?"

Zhao Ge answered truthfully, "The Pavilion Master just left the mountain."

Chu Muran was taken aback. If he gathered the disciples, then why did he leave the pavilion?

At this moment, voices were suddenly heard outside the hall. It turned out that the disciples from the foot of the mountain had also come up upon hearing the gong.

Originally, Han Yuan Sect had only more than thirty disciples, but now there were over two hundred. As they were new to the sect and still uncertain, everyone was inquiring amongst themselves about the purpose of today’s gathering, making it somewhat noisy.

Chu Muran walked out of the hall and looked out. Standing on the platform was a female disciple with a delicate appearance, a tall stature, and an upright posture, Jiang Rou, the only female disciple in the Xuan Guang Realm of the sect. He waved to her and said, "Nephew Jiang, come here."

Jiang Rou approached and gave a generous bow. "Uncle Master, do you have any instructions?"

Chu Muran asked, "Where is your senior disciple? Why do I not see him around?"

Jiang Rou replied, "Today, it’s Senior Brother’s turn to guard the Mountain Gate; he cannot leave his post."

Chu Muran suddenly understood, as the rules dictate that disciples on guard at the Mountain Gate cannot leave unless necessary. He pondered for a moment and then said, "Go and relieve him."

At this time, Daoist Wen also came out and complained, "Senior Brother, what do you mean by this? Is your disciple the only disciple in the sect? Is mine not?"

Chu Muran smiled wryly, "Junior Brother, I mean no harm. As the senior disciple of the sect, Xuan Chao must be present for the discussion later."

Daoist Wen snorted, replying stiffly, "Whether he should be brought here is for the Pavilion Master to decide, why do you worry?"

Chu Muran knew that Daoist Wen was still holding a grudge from earlier and sighed, "Nephew Jiang, it’s too noisy down there; make sure they maintain order."

Jiang Rou glanced at her master, who scolded, "What are you looking at me for? Didn’t you hear what your Uncle Master said?"

Jiang Rou, accustomed to Daoist Wen’s scolding and unperturbed, gracefully saluted the two and walked away.

Despite the gentleness implied by her name, Jiang Rou had a candid personality that even surpassed some men. With her considerable skills and being the cultivator with the highest cultivation here, it wasn’t long before the disciples quieted down, lining up in front of the hall, with none daring to be loud.

Before long, a violent Gang Wind suddenly howled from the heavens, the clouds rolled, and a dazzling light rushed straight for the peak. Zhao Ge walked out from the hall and raised his head to announce, "The Pavilion Master has returned."

Chu Muran shouted, "All disciples, welcome the Sect Leader."

Over two hundred disciples were awed by the impressive presence when the tunneling light arrived, their hearts filled with reverence. No sooner had he spoken than they all knelt down in unison.

The light swiftly landed in front of the hall, and everyone felt a slight tremor beneath their feet. Some of the newly joined disciples dared to steal a glance and saw a young man of majestic and gallant appearance standing there. His Mysterious Robe had wide sleeves, his eyes were as sharp as lightning, and it seemed to emit Divine Light, while around him, Spiritual Energy surged like waves, instilling fear in those who looked.

Zhang Yan, having spent only a moment, cast a glance over those in the hall below and asked, "Are all the disciples present?"

Zhao Ge stepped forward and performed a Daoist bow, "Reporting to the Pavilion Master, except for Lin Xuanchao, who is on Mountain Gate duty, all two hundred and sixty-seven disciples are present." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Zhang Yan nodded, and with a flick of his sleeve, the sound of waves suddenly rose. Everyone felt a momentary daze, as if a great wave rushed over the mountain. Then they saw someone being thrown onto the front field of the hall, looking dispirited and barely breathing.