Chapter 1179: Chapter 1179: Setting Up the Mountain Protection Array Shi Hao smiled slightly, “Then let’s meet.” For more chapters visıt 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚫𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚫𝕟𝕖𝕥 He met the Nine Clouds Sect’s envoys in a side hall of the main hall, consisting of three men. The leader was an old man, the other two were young, seemingly on their first outing, always looking around curiously, finding everything new. “Master Shi!” The old man cupped his hands towards Shi Hao, “I am Shi Kui, shamelessly serving as the Fourth Elder of the Nine Clouds Sect. These are the young ones from our sect, one named Guo Jin, the other Xing Zhi, who have never left the mountain gate. They are following me out this time to see the world.” “Greetings, Master Shi.” The two young men bowed to Shi Hao in unison. Shi Hao glanced at the two young men. Both were very young, no more than a few hundred years old, yet both had reached the height of Nine Stars Copper Armored Immortal. Such progress could be described as astonishing. The Nine Clouds Sect, whether a Golden Level or Jade Immortal level force, was indeed strong in nurturing the next generation. “Mr. Shi, what advice do you have?” Shi Hao asked Shi Kui, getting straight to the point, not wanting to beat around the bush. Shi Kui smiled, “Our sect’s newly appointed leader has just broken through to Jade Immortal, so we wish to ask Master Shi to craft a Mountain Protection Array for us.” Arranging a formation? Shi Hao felt a little disdainful. Though it could be lucrative, it doesn’t compare to exploring ancient relics for profits. Seeing Shi Hao’s slight expression of disdain, Shi Kui was not offended. On the contrary, he was delighted! It indicated Shi Hao’s strength, being indifferent to setting up a Mountain Protection Array, and more keen on exploring ancient relics and secret realms. “Master Shi, our sect also discovered several ancient relics. Once the Mountain Protection Array is in place, relieving us of worries, our leader will personally oversee the exploration of these relics,” Shi Kui immediately supplemented. At this, Shi Hao’s eyes lit up, “I can consider it.” Though he said consider, he had already made up his mind. That same evening, Shi Hao set out with Shi Kui and the two others towards the Nine Clouds Sect. Although the other members of the Array Master Guild wanted to witness it, none matched Shi Hao’s strength. After all, he was to lay a Ming Jade level formation, way beyond their abilities to assist. Hence, they could only stay put in the guild obediently. Shen Rong, especially the little girl, was reluctant to part, clinging to Shi Hao’s neck, refusing to let go, until Shen Yuexin forcibly carried her away. Otherwise, Shi Hao might not have been able to leave. The four set out, journeying to the Nine Clouds Sect. The journey was long. Shi Hao learned that the Nine Clouds Sect had only become a Jade Immortal level force for about a month. —Previously, the Nine Clouds Sect was a Golden Immortal force, affiliated with the Daming Sect. But a month ago, their long-vanished predecessor disciple suddenly returned, breaking through to Jade Immortal, and assumed the position of sect leader, instantly elevating the Nine Clouds Sect to a Jade Immortal level. Once the established fact was realized, it became clear that this predecessor disciple’s disappearance was a deliberate ploy by the Nine Clouds Sect. Because this new leader was a prodigious martial arts talent, to prevent the Daming Sect from harming him, they feigned his death, sending him elsewhere to grow secretly. Heaven rewards those who toil hard; this new leader successfully attained Jade Immortal, returning triumphantly! The emergence of a new Jade Immortal level force under its rule was something the Daming Sect wouldn’t sit by and watch, surely a conflict would erupt between these two powers, although when and how grand, no one knew. Therefore, the Nine Clouds Sect urgently needed to upgrade the Mountain Protection Array to the Jade Immortal level, so that even if the Daming Sect attacked, they would need to pay a considerable price to breach it. Shi Hao couldn’t help but stroke his chin, feeling he was jumping right into a blaze. Moreover, setting up a Mountain Protection Array for the Nine Clouds Sect would surely provoke the Daming Sect’s ire, potentially leading their radicals to act against him. Well, better set a high price, to justify the risk involved. Several days later, they finally reached the Nine Clouds Sect. Built deep in the mountains, it was far from urban areas, but had a small town nearby, offering everything needed, quite convenient. They stayed overnight in the town, taking a brief rest before entering the Nine Clouds Sect the next day. Early the next morning, Shi Hao and his group, freshened up, stepped out of the inn, only to encounter an elder approaching, holding a flagpole, advertising his fortune-telling prowess with various impressive claims. “Care for a fortune, old sir?” The elder targeted Shi Hao, showing a faint smile. Before Shi Hao could answer, Guo Jin intervened, “Get lost, get lost, we’re in a hurry and have no time to waste on you.” The elder remained unfazed, merely focusing on Shi Hao and smiling, “I see ill omens clouding your head, you might be facing a bloodshed disaster!” Shi Hao also smiled, asking, “Do you know why?” The elder calculated with his fingers, “According to my calculations, sir has undertaken a business he shouldn’t have, provoked Heaven’s Wrath, thus the way to resolve it is simple, retrace your steps and return.” Hearing this, Shi Kui immediately showed a fierce gleam. The fortune-teller’s implication was obvious: the bloodshed disaster was due to taking on the Nine Clouds Sect’s commission, and that canceling it and returning was the simple way to keep safe. A fake fortune-teller, clearly from the Daming Sect, sent to prevent their Mountain Protection Array upgrade. But how did they know of their whereabouts? Could there be a mole within the Nine Clouds Sect? Shi Hao just smiled, “I never believe in those superstitions, only in man’s ability to conquer aforeseen fate.” “Old sir, do you intend to defy us?” the fortune-teller chuckled, though his words carried a threat and his face hinted at a bit of menace. Shi Hao sighed, “I very much dislike people threatening me!” “Master Shi need not worry, this is the Nine Clouds Sect’s territory. If we fail to protect Master Shi here, then our sect’s name is as good as dirt!” Shi Kui sternly warned, then pointed at the fortune-teller, “Who are you? Name yourself!” The fortune-teller shook his head, “Sir, I’ve warned you kindly. If you refuse to listen, it’s only your own fault!” “How dare you!” Shi Kui burst into anger, his rage evident. How could he not be furious when someone dared threaten their esteemed guest on the Nine Clouds Sect’s territory? He struck out immediately, reaching for the opponent, his entire being radiating golden light, exuding majestic might. The fortune-teller grinned widely, extended his finger, and tapped towards Shi Kui’s palm.