CHAPTER 407: CHAPTER 406 LADY MING_1

The Magic Fog Mountain was not only shrouded in mysterious demonic fog but also protected by a very powerful Array Formation. This formation could temporarily alter the surrounding terrain, causing anyone who mistakenly entered to wander in circles indefinitely.

The Array Formation here was so complex that even Ling Chen couldn’t decipher it. However, with Xia Yunxin leading the way, it posed no threat to them.

After traversing a maze-like peach forest, Ling Chen and Xia Yunxin arrived at the foot of a cliff.

Before them were several elevators, apparently leading directly to the mountain’s summit.

Apart from these elevators, however, there seemed to be no other way up the mountain.

"The terrain of Magic Fog Mountain is rugged; it’s impossible to ascend on foot. These elevators are the only way in or out," Xia Yunxin explained to Ling Chen.

"This place is easy to defend but hard to attack." A thoughtful expression crossed Ling Chen’s face. "If enemies were to attack, they’d only need to destroy these elevators, and most would be shut out."

"But by that same token," Ling Chen continued, "if the mountain were surrounded, those on it could easily be trapped and annihilated."

"Of course, it wouldn’t be that simple." Xia Yunxin shook her head. "There are other passages on the mountain, but they are usually closed. In times of crisis, they all serve as escape routes."

"I see." Ling Chen nodded slightly. The Saint Witch Religion has controlled Magic Fog Mountain for hundreds of years; it must be an impregnable fortress by now. The higher-ups of the Saint Witch Religion must have planned their retreat routes long ago.

He and Xia Yunxin entered an elevator. After activating the mechanism, it began to rise steadily, ascending rapidly toward the peak.

The cliff was a full thousand feet high.

After a while, Ling Chen looked down and suddenly felt as if he were standing on the highest peak, surveying all beneath him.

In his view, a sea of dark clouds hung overhead, and floating bridges connected the precipitous mountain peaks.

This formed a truly spectacular and unique vista.

In mid-air, Flying Monsters occasionally swooped past, with groups of two or three figures visible on their backs as they traversed the sky.

"The Holy Church covers an area of hundreds of miles. It has over a thousand Elders at or above the Grand Master level and tens of thousands of disciples. If we include personnel from the Menial Service and servants, the total population is likely several tens of thousands," Xia Yunxin explained, noticing Ling Chen’s keen interest, providing him with a basic overview of the Saint Witch Religion.

"It truly lives up to its name as the foremost sect in the Demon Way. In terms of numbers alone, it’s ten times larger than the Divine Intent Sect." A look of astonishment surfaced in Ling Chen’s eyes. Even at its peak, the Divine Intent Sect couldn’t match the strength of the Saint Witch Religion; it probably didn’t even possess half its power.

However, the Righteous Martial World had renowned Famous Sects like the Myriad Dao Sect, Sky Void Palace, and Chiyu Mountain Manor, whose power was comparable to the Divine Intent Sect. In the Demon Way, though, the Saint Witch Religion reigned supreme.

"However, although the Holy Church is large, it is not a monolith internally." Xia Yunxin’s tone shifted, a glimmer of light in her beautiful eyes. "Within the Holy Church, numerous factions exist, constantly at odds and criticizing one another; their relationships are far from harmonious."

"Among the many factions, the two largest are the Saintess Hall and Skypiercing Peak. The Saintess Hall is led by the Saintess, while Skypiercing Peak is led by Sect Master Sikong Yi. Other factions align themselves with one of these two."

Saintess Hall, Skypiercing Peak? A contemplative look crossed Ling Chen’s face, quickly followed by astonishment. I can’t believe the Saintess, who only returned to the Saint Witch Religion a short while ago, has already established a faction capable of contending with Sect Master Sikong Yi.

His mother, Liu Xiling, should be at about the Sky Apex Fourth Layer. In terms of Cultivation, she’s likely not a match for Sikong Yi, the foremost Expert in the Demon Way. Moreover, Liu Xiling spent fifteen years in the Divine Intent Sect, so her influence couldn’t compare to Sikong Yi’s deep-rooted power base. Even so, could she have established a faction powerful enough to contend with Sikong Yi in such a short time after returning to the Saint Witch Religion?

"Although Sect Master Sikong Yi is powerful, he is overly arrogant and headstrong. Even before becoming Sect Leader, he offended many Experts within the religion." Xia Yunxin’s eyes flickered slightly as she looked at Ling Chen. "I suppose you also know that Experts in the Demon Way are mostly solitary and proud; they rarely follow others’ orders. Sikong Yi’s attempts to establish his own authority and rule autocratically within the religion further angered many people."

"But the Saintess is different. She possesses strong personal charisma and is skilled in both civil and martial affairs. In fact, the Saintess proposes many of the religion’s key decisions. Over time, she naturally drew many high-ranking members to her side, gaining authority that rivals that of Sect Master Sikong Yi."

"You are the Saintess’s son. The people from Skypiercing Peak will definitely target you. Let’s go directly to the Saintess Hall and meet with the Saintess to see how she plans to handle this."

"Alright." Ling Chen nodded. After hearing Xia Yunxin’s explanation, he had a preliminary understanding of the Saint Witch Religion’s power structure. Based on the current situation, he would definitely need to join the Saintess Hall faction.

At this moment, the elevator reached the mountain top.

As they stepped out of the elevator, several figures suddenly approached them.

All of them were women. The one leading them was a flamboyantly dressed beautiful woman in red, a beauty mark on her chin accentuating her considerable charm.

"Hehe, you two are finally back. I have been awaiting your arrival for quite some time," the woman in red said, walking over with a radiant smile for Ling Chen and Xia Yunxin.

Seeing it was the woman in red, the wary look on Xia Yunxin’s face quickly faded. She then introduced her to Ling Chen, "This is Lady Ming, one of us from the Saintess Hall."

"This must be the Saintess’s son, the famous genius Ling Chen, yes?" Lady Ming’s gaze fell upon Ling Chen. She appeared extremely enthusiastic. Whether intentionally or not, she subtly swayed her proud bosom and shapely hips, exuding a seductive allure.

"A pleasure to meet you." Ling Chen remained calm and composed. With his resolute mind, he remained completely unmoved.

Such overtures, however, only made him more wary of this Lady Ming.

"Such a cautious child, aren’t you?" Lady Ming’s charming smile didn’t falter, but a hint of concealed coldness flashed deep within her beautiful eyes. "We’ll all be one family from now on, so we should strive to get along."

"I wish to see my mother as soon as possible. Please, Lady Ming, lead the way." Despite Lady Ming’s enthusiasm, Ling Chen remained as composed and unperturbed as ever, neither servile nor overbearing. He then looked up and spoke to Lady Ming.

"Very well, please follow me." Lady Ming nodded, then beckoned behind her. A Black Giant Eagle, large enough to carry seven or eight people, landed before them.

Everyone boarded the giant eagle one by one. The creature then flapped its wings and soared into the sky.