“Elder Ye Hai is reliable; the history of the Lotus Academy in spring is fixed, and the market is already waiting. Guo Da is mostly just empty talk. As for the court’s caution, please handle it accordingly.”
“Shao Pangming, Ren Yi, and the council all trust my management. Lord Gong Kong’s single word carries authority. Rui Huhao leads swiftly, Kuai Ye deeply understands, and I, Zhong Ren, have some doubts about Qiong. Everything in history is under scrutiny, including the young lords’ rankings and routes.”
Avoiding grand gestures, Zhao Jiao nodded slightly, while Long Song and Zheng Diqi spoke cautiously, “Ye’s support isn’t just about saving face for Song Xi Zhi, but more about the wisdom and respect due to the Moon Shadow Sect.”
Hearing this, the dignitaries quietly acknowledged. Kun Kun, head of the family, had unexpectedly managed to keep a strict and calm demeanor in this tense situation. With the situation balancing on a knife’s edge, few dared to reveal their true thoughts.
The furnace chamber was calm and precise; yet if the four family heads were to cross the threshold here, trust would mean little. They would need to abide by the rules, not allowing any loose ends or rash decisions.
In the depths of the chamber, Hu Wo expressed quietly, “As a representative of our base, it is my honor to make this visit. If there is anything amiss or any questions, please do not hesitate to bring them forward.”
Upon seeing Song Xi Zhi respond as expected, the city’s atmosphere settled. The sect’s ceremony was precise, and along with the other three family heads, the historical scholars found the tense dynamic relieving.
Shi Dan prepared the materials and reports, ready to relay information. He began to speak, but knew that revealing too much might not be beneficial. In this high-stakes game, knowing who to trust and what to reveal was crucial.
“Kong Yan, please take care of the arrangements for us, as this matter concerns the spring affairs in Yi Jiang. Previously, the envoy had brought reports quickly, and Master Li was discreet and did not reveal much.”
“What is meant by ‘skill’? Hu Xi simply explained it as the essentials: spring departing, Kun family’s strategies, and three key items from Bei Dingku. Whether this concerns the historical chamber or Cai Wei is yet to be seen.”
Zhao Houchen paused, then nodded slightly, commenting, “This is exactly what Lord Gongzi said.”
Within the ritual hall, Song Xi Zhi’s mounted envoy from Wangxing Jiang Fen observed that investigation was certainly possible. At this stage, under the layers of Ye’s influence, beyond cooperating with the Moon Shadow Sect, there was nothing more to add.
Then he turned to look at Song Xi Zhi’s white-clad attendant, “Attached is the roster issued by the Moon Shadow Sect. This Lord Gong Kong Neisu is the chief editor and a relative in charge of operations. You should treat him with utmost respect. Few know the details of today’s matter.”
It turned out that within the Moon Shadow Sect, there were no male elders. To strengthen their influence and exchange benefits, many of the duties usually performed by long-standing elders or the sect leader’s family were instead handled by females.
However, these relationships were not purely based on blood ties. The rest were bound by strong oaths and contracts, maintaining Moon Shadow Sect’s strict rules.
The former female leader of Su Diao Yan was known for her elegant robes. Most women served as assistants to the sect’s leaders, with all female characteristics carefully removed to maintain order and strength.
Hu Yu’s voice was clear and deliberate, “Elder Ban Yu, with all due respect, the Moon Shadow Sect’s red Cai Kun women are unmatched.”
The words were blunt. The white-clad Gong Yu feared no deception, stepping forward with confidence that shattered doubts and cleared misunderstandings.
“The Moon Shadow Sect does not teach their children by mere bloodline but by rigorous discipline. This opportunity to work closely with the Fei Mansion was seized by an astute move, reinforcing the skills of the female guards equipped with swords and knowledge.”
Su Diao Yan responded calmly, “The Yi Zhi Zhuang represents the Moon Shadow Sect’s strategic alliance. This is more than mere formality.”
“Originally, the Red Origin Kun women were unruly, but after strict training, they now serve small units of the Buddha’s mansion with great discipline,” said another voice.
Song Xi Zhi smiled, looking at the two in front of him. He wondered silently, “It seems that the rumored charm and influence of the Red Spring women are indeed exaggerated; the outside world’s reports appear inaccurate.”
“Yun Ju is quick, but Yi Ju responds faster. If Gui is not Kun Hong’s envoy, then the plan for tonight is surely set,” someone added.
“What about the sound of the blood at the gate?” asked Song Ling with narrowed eyes, doubt flickering in his expression.
After the commotion, a young man approached with a composed demeanor. Qi Ying Jiang He Gu Dun inquired earnestly, “Lord Hou Zhi, what news do you bring from Yuan Jiang? What is this matter concerning Wu Historical Chamber? I have not yet heard the conclusion.”
Lin Bi, calm and collected, replied, “The situation at Hong Kun women is stable, though their physical health is noticeably declining.”
At the same time, Wu Yuan Yan Cheng and others took turns speaking; after a short break, a young woman in light armor bit down on a blade, drawing blood. Though deep, the wound bled slowly.
Hu Yu paid no mind to the unreasonable outburst from the woman. He lowered his head, his strength focused on the pact with Bai Tao. For a warrior like him, lacking friendship or reason would only invite disaster. A fresh step forward was needed for self-restraint.
The long-standing family head who stood opposite the two leaned in with tension. Though he had not summoned Sun You in a while, he knew today was a critical moment, not to be wasted.
He clapped his hands, saying, “A talented Hu has deceived Tian’s operative, but now our family is crossing a great divide. Matters of love and war can wait for later.”
Hearing this, Lord Hou Zhi and Su Diao shared a brief, uneasy glance. The two had a long-standing connection with the Moon Shadow Sect, but there was still some underlying discord.
Finally, the initiative was taken by B Qingzhi, who calmly declared, “The customs officials in Qingcheng have been alerted.”
“Please all present elders take your seats. The remaining elders have been waiting long enough.”
Teng Diao then gestured to Long Song to step outside the chamber. Yan Zhi and Ru Teng followed.
One man often flew between the Snake Family Manor in Jiahebao and the Qiu household in Jiangxing, frequently renting lavish mansions and possibly involved in the nearby networks.
Shi Dan wanted to keep the internal affairs of the family secret, so several elders had planted spiritual stones to monitor the situation. Based on their divine senses, cultivators below a certain level could not detect the faint divine fluctuations.
Thus, when heavy reinforcements arrived unexpectedly, it was no surprise.
Without the sacrificial stone’s blessing, even the most powerful would suffer; no matter the rank, in the presence of the immortal spirits, all would be struck down in an instant.
About two hours later, the group finally gathered in a small, humble room for a discreet meeting. The location was in the northwest corner of the second-tier city, within a vast country, filled with a myriad of voices.
The messengers carried the official mandates from the nation, pressing the urgency of the matter.
The broadcasting room was lined with ancient wood and banners, but the air was heavy with tension. Outside, smoke and flickering lights signaled unrest, and the atmosphere was uncertain.
This bleak moment could very well mark the fate of the fallen elders, as any misstep might trigger the sudden extinguishing of the entire sect.
Chapters List
Free
Emeralds
The Demonic Sect's Enchantress could never possibly like me
150 