Those who came seeking revenge would not let go of the true culprit who was blinded by greed. Tianwu Sect, Lingbo Sect, Tianji Pavilion, and countless other sects, large and small, that participated as lackeys would all be held accountable after twenty years.
However, the cycle of revenge only intensifies, and the storms will rise again, making it difficult to find peace.
"In that case, things become clear."
Clutching the yellowed book tightly, Gu Zhong said with a sigh of relief, as if he had finally achieved a long-cherished wish.
"What do you want to do next?"
After asking the question, Lingyan realized that it was really inappropriate for her to say it at this moment.
"That's not something the Sect Leader needs to worry about. I have my own plans. I will return to the sect tonight."
As expected, Gu Zhong refused to answer the question.
The sins Mo Wuwen committed against the Gu family were like an insurmountable chasm, falling from the sky and separating the two of them.
Even though Lingyan was unaware and hadn't done anything, the knot in Gu Zhong's heart was hard to untie. The lovers who were whispering sweet nothings just a moment ago now seemed like complete strangers.
"Alright, take care."
She opened her mouth, but the words of pleas for her to stay remained unspoken. Lingyan uttered those few words from her chest with a bitter sigh, as if all her strength had been drained away.
"I'll figure something out for your injury... You don't need to worry about Cheng Yun anymore."
Perhaps not wanting to appear too heartless, or perhaps unwilling to owe too much, Gu Zhong hesitated for a moment before leaving, but still left these words behind.
The gathering was too rushed, and the parting came unexpectedly. Life's twists and turns are always so unpredictable, catching people off guard.
Now is not the time for lamenting the passing of spring and the coming of autumn. With the grand ceremony of the expedition drawing ever closer, the once desolate and aloof Tianji Pavilion has become lively and welcoming.
Beneath the seemingly enthusiastic and peaceful atmosphere, countless schemes were hidden, and Lingyan had to be extremely careful and make careful arrangements.
Once a move is made, there's no going back.
The so-called grand ceremony of punitive expedition was not as solemn and extravagant as the one held when the Tianwu Sect was passed on its leadership, because Lingyan disliked empty formalities.
On a single day, all the sects were gathered in the spacious square in front of the main hall. Each sect leader sat in the chief seat and listened to the alliance leader read out the demand for payment.
The process is supposed to be tedious and boring, but there are always people who create unnecessary complications.
"It is certainly good that the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is involved in the campaign against the Demonic Sect. However, on the other hand, our Lingbo Sect has been out of the public eye for a long time. I wonder how the Pavilion Master won over the people back then? Would you be willing to take this opportunity to learn a thing or two from us?"
Xia Xiange, who had been dozing off while Ling Yan read the text, opened her sleepy eyes after the long process and asked a question in an extremely provocative tone.
The implication was simply that the position of leader of the martial arts alliance should be changed.
"Sect Leader Xia, if you wish to have a competition, there is no need to rush it now."
Lingyan looked extremely embarrassed and pretended to decline.
In fact, this difficult situation was entirely within Ling Yan's expectations. After all, Xia Xiange's public challenge to a competition was the result of her recent maneuvering.
Otherwise, given Xia Xiange's cautious nature, he would not have broken off relations unless absolutely necessary.
This is simply a golden opportunity for her to control the martial arts world and even obtain the treasure map.
What if I want today?
Straightening up from the chaise lounge covered in fox fur, Xia Xiange smiled, but her actions were aggressive.
"Then I have no choice but to accept."
Feigning helplessness, Lingyan raised her hand and made an inviting gesture.
"We would appreciate it if the Pavilion Master could add a prize to this competition."
What is it?
"I've heard that Pavilion Master Mo left behind a notebook, which I find very interesting. If I am fortunate enough to win, I would be grateful if Pavilion Master would part with it."
What Xia Xiange heard was only what Ling Yan wanted her to hear. If she had been so eager to find the treasure map all these years, she would not have let go of any clues or information about the treasure.
"Sect Leader Xia is truly arrogant. This notebook is worth half of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. I wonder what Sect Leader Xia is willing to wager?"
"Is one unique skill of my Lingbo Sect enough?"
"Sect Leader Xia is truly stingy. I have heard that your sect possesses a pair of divine medicines for treating poisons and diseases, which no one can counteract or cure. Why not add this to your collection?"
Lingyan then openly and honestly made her request for the medicine.
Xia Xiange narrowed her eyes, seemingly sensing something was amiss. Her smile faded, and she appeared somewhat solemn.
However, since the challenge was initiated by her, Lingyan's demands were neither too lenient nor too harsh. In front of everyone, it would be quite unbecoming of a major sect to refuse outright, especially since she intended to keep the notes. Even if she had doubts, she had to bite the bullet and accept this open scheme.
"good!"
The two chose the Tianji Pavilion training ground as their dueling platform, with the other sect leaders serving as judges and protectors. Disciples from various sects who were able to participate in the ceremony surrounded the area below the platform, eager to witness the masters' duel and thus gain enlightenment.
"Please, Pavilion Master!"
After speaking, Xia Xiange flashed forward, drew her sword, and attacked.
Having fought against members of the Lingbo Sect before, Lingyan knew that the Lingbo footwork was unpredictable and elusive. She was well-prepared and had made many calculations to deal with it, which allowed her to easily dodge and flash behind Xia Xiange to draw her sword and sweep horizontally.
Xia Xiange turned his back and raised his sword to parry. The metal weapons clashed and made a crisp sound. The two separated after a brief contact.
"It seems that the Pavilion Master was prepared in advance."
Xia Xiange stared coldly at her. If she still didn't know that Ling Yan had fought with that dead elder, she would truly be considered an idiot.
"To plan ahead and to calculate everything under heaven is the motto of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion."
With a light laugh, Ling Yan leaned forward, her gleaming sword flashing without mercy.
It must be said that Xia Xiange is indeed a formidable opponent. Living so many more years in this life is not a waste.
Even though Ling Yan had taken pills to forcibly enhance her power and numb her injuries beforehand, she could only barely win by sheer luck at the end of her strength, and on the surface she still had to pretend to be calm and collected.
If anyone still wants to fight at this moment, Lingyan will surely suffer a crushing defeat.
"The position of Alliance Leader is truly well-deserved."
No matter how unwilling she was, Xia Xiange had already lost the moment she was knocked off the stage.
"I appreciate your concession."
"I am willing to accept defeat. I only hope that the Pavilion Master can give me an explanation regarding the Tianwu Sect matter later."
"Coincidentally, I also have something to ask Sect Master Xia."
An inexplicable hostility was brewing between the two, and those around them could feel the oppressive atmosphere.
"Now that the competition is over, the real business is to punish the demonic sect. How about we..."
Someone chimed in, trying to break the awkward silence.
"I wonder what auspicious day it is today, that everyone has gathered here?"
A strange, ambiguous cry rang out, like water droplets falling into hot oil, instantly causing the scene to boil over.
"A protector of the demonic cult?"
"The Yin-Yang Hand?!"
Chapter 70 The Leader of the Righteous Alliance and the Leader of the Demonic Cult (Part 23)
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"Such a grand occasion, it would be truly inappropriate not to invite our Holy Church!"
One after another, masters of the Demonic Cult appeared on the training ground, their faces bearing arrogant and sarcastic smiles.
An ominous premonition lingered in everyone's hearts. Why would the Demonic Cult appear here?
The alliance was quite large in scale, so it's not surprising that the Demonic Sect learned of it.
However, Lonely Mountain is surrounded by traps and formations on all sides. To ensure safety, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion changes the formation daily. Without guidance, ascending the mountain is virtually impossible. How could there be so many members of the Demonic Sect? This situation is truly bizarre.
"How dare a few demonic cult members act so presumptuously here!"
Young and impetuous, Ye Feng was the first to step forward, shouting righteously.
"A kid who hasn't even grown his first hair dares to talk big?"
The demonic cultist with the Yin-Yang Hand glanced at Ye Feng, then waved his hand, sending a burst of energy straight towards Ye Feng's face, which Ye Feng barely managed to block.
"Huh? You do have some skill?"
Yin Yang Shou exclaimed in surprise, but still didn't take him seriously.
"It's rare to have everyone here today, so it's time to settle all the scores from all these years!" Before he finished speaking, he attacked Ling Yan, who was now the leader of the righteous path.
Lingyan did not dodge, but instead focused her energy to protect her internal organs, taking the blow head-on. She was forced back more than ten feet, then knelt on the ground, blood spilling from the corner of her mouth and flowing from under her silver mask.
"What is this, Pavilion Master?"
This move drew sidelong glances from everyone present, who were quite puzzled.
Only Xia Xiange's eyes flashed with understanding. She was about to speak when her expression suddenly changed drastically, and she immediately sat down on the ground to begin practicing her internal energy.
Not only her, but all those with high martial arts skills present sensed something was wrong and immediately began to circulate their internal energy.
The disciples were left looking at each other in bewilderment. Dozens of demonic sect experts gave them no more time to react, attacking like hungry tigers pouncing on sheep.
"What's going on? My internal energy!"
"I can't move!"
Amidst the fighting, gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd. Despite the apparent overwhelming numbers of this scattered alliance, a large number of its men fell within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, leaving only a few leaders from major sects still practicing their internal energy.
"May I ask, Pavilion Master, is your Heavenly Mystery Pavilion a sieve? Not only did you let the Demonic Sect members come up the mountain, but you also allow them to poison you at will?"
Xia Xiange was the first to finish her meditation, opened her eyes and questioned sharply. She remained in the same position, clearly still unable to move.
Everyone cast questioning glances at Ling Yan, now only suspecting that there was a traitor within the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, which allowed the Demonic Sect to wipe them all out in one fell swoop.
"Tsk tsk, that's strange. The leader said that someone would help us with our surprise attack today. I didn't expect that the person who helped us would be so righteous, to go to such lengths. It's just that they couldn't harm your lives, which is really annoying."
After Yin Yang Hand knocked Ling Yan down, he stood aside with his arms crossed, now quite pleased to watch these righteous people blaming each other.
"There's plenty of time in the future. Wouldn't it be great to let these pretentious, aloof noble families taste the flavor of our Holy Church's water dungeon?"
Another burly man chuckled and echoed his words, and the members of the Demonic Cult already looked confident of victory.