“Junior Brother Lin, what urgent matter requires an audience with the Sect Leader?” Meng Yangquan asked. It wasn’t that he distrusted Lin, but if it were something trivial, even a disciple at the Divine Realm stage like himself would be punished for disturbing the Sect Leader unnecessarily.
Although this Junior Brother Lin was somewhat enigmatic, his cultivation base was far too weak. What might seem like a major issue to them was probably just a minor matter in Meng Yangquan’s eyes.
It was better to keep this matter between as few people as possible for now. However, Meng Senior Brother was deeply concerned about Mu Chenyu. If Lin felt he couldn’t speak openly in front of her, it might provoke Meng’s displeasure.
“Senior Brother, during the period when I faked my death and left the sect, I’ve been living in the Great Yan Empire. By sheer coincidence, I overheard the Yan Emperor planning to collude with certain sects to attack our sect, so I immediately rushed back to inform the Sect Leader,” Lin Fan said without holding anything back.
Mu Chenyu’s expression changed abruptly, a flicker of something flashing through her eyes before quickly vanishing.
“Junior Brother Lin, what exactly is the matter that requires an audience with the Sect Master?” Meng Yangquan inquired. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Junior Brother Lin, but if it was merely a trivial matter, even as a disciple at the Divine Transformation stage, he would face punishment.
Though Junior Brother Lin was somewhat enigmatic, his cultivation level was too low. What might seem like a significant event to them could be just a minor issue in Meng Yangquan’s eyes.
At this stage, the fewer people who knew about this matter, the better. However, Senior Brother Meng was deeply concerned about Mu Chenyu. If he thought she couldn’t speak freely here, it might provoke Senior Brother Meng’s displeasure.
“Senior Brother, during the time I faked my death and left the sect, I lived in the Great Yan Dynasty. By chance, I overheard that the Yan Emperor plans to collude with certain sects to attack our sect. So, I rushed back to inform the Sect Master,” Lin Fan revealed without hesitation.
Mu Chenyu’s expression changed abruptly, a flash of light flickering in her eyes before she concealed it again.
“Impossible! The Yan Emperor is at the seventh stage of Divine Transformation. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare. The consequences are beyond his capacity to bear,” Meng Yangquan immediately dismissed the idea. The Great Yan Dynasty had been subordinate to the Holy Demon Sect for centuries; how could they possibly rebel against it?
Even if the Great Yan Dynasty had the Tianfu Academy, in Meng Yangquan’s view, it was utterly insignificant. The academy’s strongest dean was barely at the Divine Transformation stage, let alone the students.
“To report such an untrustworthy matter to the Sect Master—if this turns out to be a joke, you two will be punished, but don’t drag me into it,” Mu Chenyu sneered at Lin Fan and the others. “Though the Yan Emperor is at the Divine Transformation stage, as an outer disciple, how could you possibly eavesdrop on a Divine Transformation expert?”
“Junior Brother, this is no joking matter,” Meng Yangquan shook his head slightly.
Lin Fan grew anxious. Why didn’t Senior Brother Meng believe him? But upon reflection, he understood. If he were in Meng Yangquan’s shoes, he probably wouldn’t believe it either.
However, how could they think the Yan Emperor was only at the seventh stage of Divine Transformation? The Yan Emperor had already reached the Small Heavenly Position stage.
Ni Mingyang stood aside, unable to interject. He believed Junior Brother Lin’s words, but he hadn’t heard it firsthand. Moreover, with Lin Fan’s cultivation level, it was indeed impossible for him to overhear a conversation between Divine Transformation experts.
“Senior Brother, I swear to the heavens. If anything I, Lin Fan, have said is false, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death,” Lin Fan declared.
During the time he had rushed back from the Great Yan Dynasty to the Holy Demon Sect, he didn’t know if the Yan Emperor and his allies had already taken action. Time was of the essence; it was better for the sect to prepare early than to be caught off guard.
Meng Yangquan observed Lin Fan’s expression and felt a slight shock. If this were true, it would indeed be a significant matter.
“Senior Brother, if this is true, would the sect relocate entirely?” Lin Fan asked.
“No,” Meng Yangquan replied without hesitation. “The Holy Demon Sect has a long-standing legacy. Even in the face of a great disaster, we will defend the sect to the death. The sect lives as long as its people do, and it perishes with them.”
“Senior Brother, even if this turns out to be false, there would be no loss. But what I’ve said is entirely true. If you help me see the Sect Master, I will provide evidence that will convince him,” Lin Fan said earnestly.
Meng Yangquan pondered for a moment, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Fan, trying to discern his true intentions.
Lin Fan met his gaze without fear. He didn’t want the only family he had in the Xuanhuang Realm to be destroyed by enemies.
Though he was just an outer disciple, what did it matter? When the sect was in danger, even a menial worker should be willing to help.
If he stood by and did nothing, what kind of person would he be?
“Senior Brother, what are you thinking? This is clearly just some baseless rumor,” Mu Chenyu chimed in with a coquettish tone.
Meng Yangquan always complied with her requests and never ignored her words.
“Junior Brother, I’ll take you,” Meng Yangquan said after a moment of contemplation.
“Senior Brother, how can you believe them?” Mu Chenyu exclaimed in dissatisfaction, though a fleeting look of panic crossed her eyes.
“Junior Sister, I believe Junior Brother Lin wouldn’t joke about such matters. If this is true, failing to report it would be a disaster for the Holy Demon Sect,” Meng Yangquan said.
Lin Fan and Ni Mingyang were overjoyed. “Thank you, Senior Brother, for believing us.”
“We are of the same sect; there should be no doubt. But this matter is of great importance and must be carefully considered. I hope Junior Brother’s words are false. If they are true, it will be a catastrophe for the Holy Demon Sect,” Meng Yangquan said with mixed emotions.
“Junior Brother, I hope so too, but this is what I heard with my own ears,” Lin Fan sighed.
“Let’s go,” Meng Yangquan said.
Mu Chenyu, seeing that Senior Brother Meng believed them, stomped her foot in frustration and ran off. However, the moment she left, her expression changed drastically.
How could a mere outer disciple know about such matters?
…
The Ninth Peak.
The central point surrounded by eight towering peaks, reaching into the clouds, was where the Sect Master resided.
Hidden among the white clouds, the Ninth Peak was more majestic than the other eight peaks. White cranes soared, creating a scene like a fairyland. A grand palace loomed faintly, both magnificent and elusive, exuding an aura of solemnity, sacredness, and grandeur.
Outer disciples were not allowed to approach the Ninth Peak, and even inner disciples needed to have sufficient seniority. However, with Senior Brother Meng leading the way, the journey was much smoother.
Even when someone tried to stop them, Senior Brother Meng dismissed them with a word.
When Lin Fan saw the scene before him, he was awestruck. It was too magnificent—this was the core of the Holy Demon Sect.
If such a grand place were to be destroyed, it would be a true tragedy.
“Yangquan, why have you brought two outer disciples to the Ninth Peak?” At that moment, a middle-aged man in gray robes approached, his expression stern.
“Eighth stage of Divine Transformation.”
This man’s cultivation was at the eighth stage of Divine Transformation, significantly higher than Meng Yangquan’s.
However, judging by his age, he was much older than Meng Yangquan, indicating that his talent might be inferior, though he had been cultivating for much longer.
“Elder Qingfeng, I’ve brought my junior brothers here because they have urgent news concerning the sect’s safety that must be reported to the Sect Master,” Meng Yangquan said, cupping his hands in respect.
“The Sect Master is in seclusion. If there’s anything, you can report it to me,” Elder Qingfeng said, his eyelids flickering slightly, clearly not taking the matter seriously.
“This matter must be reported directly to the Sect Master. Please, Elder Qingfeng, make an exception.”
“Yangquan, it seems you’ve lost your way. Have you gone mad from staying in the outer sect? Without rules, there is no order. The Sect Master is in seclusion. Do you intend to disturb him?” Elder Qingfeng said with displeasure.
“Elder Qingfeng, this matter is of utmost importance,” Meng Yangquan insisted.
“Hmph, go back. No matter how significant, it cannot disturb the Sect Master’s seclusion,” Elder Qingfeng said angrily. Yangquan had once been an inner disciple; how could he not understand such basic rules? The Sect Master’s seclusion was not to be interrupted lightly.
Now, the grand hall of the Ninth Peak was within sight, but they were blocked by this unknown elder. If they didn’t find a way, they might not be able to proceed.
And Senior Brother Meng was being overly polite. If they didn’t force the Sect Master to emerge, they might not succeed.
Even though the Great Yan Empire had the Tianfu Academy, in Meng Yangquan’s eyes, it was utterly insignificant. Even the academy’s strongest dean barely reached the Divine Realm stage, not to mention the students.
“You expect the Sect Leader to be informed about something so utterly unverified? If this turns out to be just a joke, you two getting punished is one thing, but don’t drag Senior Brother into it,” Mu Chenyu said disdainfully, looking at Lin Fan and the others. “Although the Yan Emperor is at the Divine Realm stage, how could an outer sect disciple like you possibly eavesdrop on a conversation between Divine Realm experts?”
“Junior Brother, this isn’t something to joke about,” Meng Yangquan said, shaking his head slightly.
At this point, Lin Fan became anxious. Why wouldn’t Senior Brother believe him? Upon reflection, though, Lin could understand. If their positions were reversed, he probably wouldn’t believe it either.
But why did they think the Yan Emperor was only at the Divine Realm seventh stage? In fact, the Yan Emperor had already reached the Lesser Heaven Stage.
Ni Mingyang stood aside, unable to interject. He personally believed Lin Fan’s words, but since it wasn’t something he had heard firsthand, and considering Lin Fan’s cultivation level, it was indeed impossible for him to eavesdrop on a conversation between experts at the Divine Realm stage.
“Senior Brother, I swear upon the heavens, if even one word I’ve spoken is false, may I be struck down by lightning and die a miserable death,” Lin Fan declared solemnly.
During the time he had rushed back to the Saint Devil Sect from the Great Yan Empire, he didn’t know whether the Yan Emperor had already taken any action. Time was pressing. It was better for the sect to prepare in advance than to be caught off guard when the enemy arrived at their doorstep.
Looking at Lin Fan’s expression, Meng Yangquan felt a slight surprise in his heart. If what Lin Fan said was true, then this was indeed a major matter.
“Senior Brother, if this is true, will the sect relocate entirely?” Lin Fan asked.
“No,” Meng Yangquan immediately and decisively denied. “The Saint Devil Sect has a long heritage. Even if we face the greatest disaster, we must defend our sect to the death. As long as the sect stands, we stand; if the sect falls, we fall with it.”
“Even if it turns out to be false, there would be no loss. But what I just said is absolutely true. Just help me gain an audience with the Sect Leader, Senior Brother, and I will definitely present evidence that will convince the Sect Leader,” Lin Fan said earnestly at this point.
Meng Yangquan pondered for a moment, his eyes fixed intently on Lin Fan, trying to discern his true intentions.
Lin Fan met his gaze without flinching. He didn’t want the only family he had in this Xuanhuang World to be destroyed by enemies.
Although he was merely an outer sect disciple, what difference did that make? When the sect was in danger, even a humble servant should do their part.
If he stood idly by, what kind of person would he be?
“Senior Brother, what are you still thinking about? Obviously, this is just some random gossip he picked up somewhere,” Mu Chenyu said sweetly from the side.
Meng Yangquan had always been attentive to her every wish, never refusing her.
“Junior Brother, I’ll take you,” Meng Yangquan said after a moment’s thought.
“Senior Brother, you’re actually believing them?” Mu Chenyu exclaimed in sudden displeasure, though a fleeting look of anxiety flickered across her eyes.
“Junior Sister, I believe Lin Fan wouldn’t joke about something like this. If it’s true and we don’t report it, it would be a disaster for the Saint Devil Sect,” Meng Yangquan explained.
At this, Lin Fan and Ni Mingyang were overjoyed. “Thank you, Senior Brother, for believing us.”
“We are of the same sect; there should be no doubt between us. However, this matter is too significant to be taken lightly. I actually hope what you’ve said is false. If it’s true, then it will indeed be a catastrophe for the Saint Devil Sect,” Meng Yangquan said with mixed emotions.
“I hope so too, Senior Brother, but what I heard was with my own ears,” Lin Fan sighed.
“Let’s go,” Meng Yangquan said.
Seeing Meng Senior Brother believe them, Mu Chenyu stamped her foot in anger before running off. Yet, as she left, her expression abruptly changed.
How could a mere outer sect disciple possibly know about something like this?
…
The Ninth Peak.
At the center, surrounded by eight other peaks, it towered into the clouds—the residence of the sect leader.
Hidden amidst white clouds, it blended beautifully with the surroundings. The Ninth Peak was far more magnificent than the other eight. Cranes soared through the sky, making it seem like a paradise on earth. Faintly visible in the distance was a grand palace, breathtakingly beautiful yet unfathomable, exuding majesty, sanctity, and magnificence.
No one below the rank of outer sect disciple was allowed to approach the Ninth Peak. Even inner sect disciples needed certain qualifications to enter. However, with Senior Brother Meng leading the way, their journey was much smoother.
Even if someone tried to stop them, Meng Senior Brother simply waved them off with a word.
When Lin Fan finally saw the scene before him, he was deeply moved. How magnificent it was—this was the heart of the Saint Devil Sect.
If such a magnificent place were destroyed, it would indeed be a great pity.
“Yangquan, why have you brought two outer sect disciples to the Ninth Peak?” Just then, a middle-aged man dressed in gray robes approached, his expression stern and unsmiling.
“Divine Realm eighth stage.”
This man’s cultivation level was at the Divine Realm eighth stage, significantly higher than Meng Yangquan’s.
However, judging from his age, he was already middle-aged, appearing much older than Meng Yangquan. Clearly, in terms of talent, this man might be far inferior to Meng Yangquan, though he had started cultivating much earlier.
“Elder Qingfeng, I have brought my junior brothers here because one of them has urgent news concerning the sect’s safety to report to the Sect Leader,” Meng Yangquan said, bowing respectfully.
“The Sect Leader is currently in seclusion. Report any matters to me,” Elder Qingfeng said, his eyelids barely lifting, clearly not taking it seriously.
“This matter must be reported directly to the Sect Leader. Please, Elder Qingfeng, allow us this courtesy.”
“Yangquan, you’re getting worse with age. Have you become foolish from staying among the outer sect too long? Without rules, there can be no order. The Sect Leader is in deep meditation; surely you wouldn’t want to interrupt his retreat?” Elder Qingfeng’s expression darkened.
“Senior Brother Qingfeng, this matter is extremely serious,” Meng Yangquan insisted.
“Hmph! Return immediately. No matter how important it is, you cannot disturb the Sect Leader’s retreat,” Elder Qingfeng said angrily. This Yangquan had once been an inner sect disciple too—how could he not understand such basic etiquette? Could the Sect Leader really be disturbed whenever someone felt like it?
Right before them stood the grand hall of the Ninth Peak, yet this unexpected elder blocked their path. Without some clever maneuvering, they might not get through at all.
And Meng Senior Brother was being so courteous with the elder. If they didn’t somehow force the Sect Leader out, it seemed like they wouldn’t succeed.
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