Chapter 168 - 165: Conflict

Chapter 168: Chapter 165: ConflictSeeing the shocked expressions of the disciples, Leng Ruofeng decided not to continue speaking. If they knew that Ye Xuan had also grasped the Nine Heavens Thunder Scripture in just over two months, it would likely cause an even greater shock. "Lu Yan, first tell us about the situation in Wanxiang Mountain." Ling Qianxue waved her hand, deciding that the matter of Ye Xuan could be discussed later. For now, their priority was to understand the situation in Wanxiang Mountain since they had arrived and needed to start planning their tasks promptly. "Alright, let’s discuss it inside." Lu Yan’s expression also became slightly solemn as he led the three of them into the tent. Once all four were seated, Lu Yan outlined the general situation in Wanxiang Mountain. In short, all the factions had already arrived at Wanxiang Mountain and were setting up large camps deep in the mountain to search for the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed. The movers of the major sects were quite strong, and it was clear that almost all of them were determined to obtain the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed. Not only the Wildfire Sect, Xingyun Pavilion, and Earth Evil Sect, but even the two First Grade sects, Spring and Autumn Sword Sect and Green Leaf Valley, had sent experts because the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed was too significant for the sects. If obtained, it would greatly enhance the sect’s power. "How about the movements of the Black Demon Sect?" Ling Qianxue’s pretty face showed a hint of contemplation before she asked. "The remnants of the Black Demon Sect only move at night, and their exact strength is unclear, but they are definitely not simple. In the past few days, many forces have suffered attacks and heavy losses, most likely by the people of the Black Demon Sect," Lu Yan said gravely. "Have our Heavenly Martial Hall forces encountered any attacks?" Leng Ruofeng suddenly asked. "No, so far the enemy hasn’t targeted major forces. The attacks have all been against weaker factions. However, just yesterday, the camp of the Spring and Autumn Sword Sect was attacked. It is said that even a Martial Sect Level Elder went missing in battle, and many disciples were killed." Lu Yan shook his head. "The Spring and Autumn Sword Sect is really unlucky, but they shouldn’t have come here in the first place. This battle for the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed was bound to have significant casualties. We also cannot be lax in the next few days, especially at night. We must be on high alert," Ling Qianxue instructed Lu Yan. "Yes." Lu Yan understood that among the three who came, Ling Qianxue was the leader. Naturally, he realized this was the intention of Hall Master Ling Jingtian, and thus the command and control of this mission was likely hers. Hence, he must obey Ling Qianxue’s instructions. "By the way, Brother Lu, is it just you overseeing the Heavenly Martial Hall camp here?" At this moment, Ye Xuan also asked a question. After their long conversation and seeing no one else, it seemed quite strange. Even if they were gathering intelligence, it shouldn’t be just Lu Yan, a Half-step Martial Sect, overseeing the camp. "There are two Outer Hall Elders who took disciples to scout around. When they return, they should bring back some latest information," Lu Yan replied with a smile. "Hmm." Ye Xuan nodded slightly. Wanxiang Mountain was truly a place teeming with a mix of different forces and experts. If they rushed in without understanding the situation, they might end up targeted by everyone. Knowing thorough intelligence would help them seize more initiative and prepare better. "The two Elders are back!" Just as Ye Xuan had finished nodding, a burst of noise came from outside, prompting Lu Yan to stand up and smile, "Speak of the devil, and they appear. Let’s hear what news the two Elders have brought back." The tent flaps were lifted, and two figures entered their view. The newcomers were two white-haired old men adorned with the unique emblem of the Heavenly Martial Hall. However, both men were covered in bloodstains and appeared disheveled and weak, clearly having been involved in a fight and fared poorly. "Elder Mu, Elder Han, what happened?" Seeing the condition of the two Elders, Ling Qianxue and the others were also startled and then asked. "It’s embarrassing to say." Hearing this, the two Elders gave a wry smile and after nodding at Ling Qianxue and Ye Xuan, their eyes flashed with anger, "Now, with many powers gathered in Wanxiang Mountain, the mess of dragons and fishes, the news of the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed also came from deep within the mountain. We discovered a secret cave at the base of a mountain peak and were about to seal the entrance and return to report, but we encountered people from Xingyun Pavilion." "Xingyun Pavilion?" Ye Xuan’s eyebrows slightly raised. Though Xingyun Pavilion was only a Second Grade Sect, in this Great Yuan Country, it was their territory. In this battle for the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed, Xingyun Pavilion would likely deploy many experts and might become one of the strongest among the numerous sects. "They actually dared to make a move against you? That’s simply outrageous!" Ling Qianxue’s pretty face slightly sank, her beautiful eyes also revealing a trace of anger. It was truly audacious of Xingyun Pavilion, a Second Grade Sect, to directly attack people from Heavenly Martial Hall, clearly taking advantage of their own turf, not putting Heavenly Martial Hall in their eyes at all. "There’s no other way, it’s a sensitive period right now, and even if there’s some friction, as long as it’s within a certain range, it won’t trigger a conflict between the two major sects. The team that Xingyun Pavilion brought this time has many experts, led by the Great Elder of Xingyun Pavilion whose cultivation is already close to that of a Third Grade Martial Sect." Elder Mu sighed, but although he said this, his face also held quite a bit of reluctance, clearly displeased by Xingyun Pavilion’s high-handed behavior. "Close to Third Grade Martial Sect?" Ye Xuan also slightly startled, then his face showed a hint of deep thought. It seemed that the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed was not easy to obtain. With even the Great Elder from Xingyun Pavilion making a move, it might not be out of the question for even the Sect Master to personally intervene. After all, Heavenly Martial Hall was based in Great Hua Country and, long reach as they may have, they must abide by the rules, and it wasn’t possible to send pinnacle experts above the level of inner hall elders. "Junior Sister Ling, Xingyun Pavilion has done this without any consideration of giving us face if we don’t take any action, we might become a laughing stock among other powers." Leng Ruofeng narrowed his eyes, close to Third Grade Martial Sect, that’s the peak of Second Grade Martial Sect. This level of cultivation, Ling Qianxue should be able to handle, and getting back at them isn’t impossible. "Ye Xuan, what do you think?" Ling Qianxue glanced at Ye Xuan beside her, knowing that his mindset was much more mature than his age, especially after the incident in Lanyin City, she had gained a new respect for him. Seeing Ling Qianxue seeking Ye Xuan’s opinion, the two outer hall elders were also taken aback. Ye Xuan looked quite young, and even if his strength was strong, what experience could he have in handling such matters? "Since the person in charge has asked me, then I’ll share my thoughts." Ye Xuan cleared his throat and straightened his clothes, but this incited a roll of the eyes from Ling Qianxue; this guy started being unserious again. "In this situation, there is only one thing we need to do." As soon as he spoke, Ye Xuan’s smile gradually faded, "That is to stay here and safely spend the night." "At present, there’s still no news about the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed, the remnants of the Black Demon Sect are lurking and ready to move, directly conflicting with Xingyun Pavilion, the strongest here, isn’t appropriate." Hearing this, everyone was slightly startled, and the two elders, as well as some disciples, frowned secretly. They had thought Ye Xuan would have some great insight, but it turned out that this young genius of Heavenly Martial Hall was someone who feared trouble. This conflict involved the face of their Heavenly Martial Hall, and just a simple "not appropriate" and it’s done? "The cave we discovered has intricate and potent prohibitions inside it, it could very likely be the entrance where the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed is hidden, even if we disregard the face of Heavenly Martial Hall, we must take back that cave." Elder Han said with a serious tone, his words carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. "That’s simple." Ye Xuan’s expression remained calm, "Since the cave has already been discovered, we can’t keep it hidden for long. Though Heavenly Martial Hall’s reputation is significant, the force we deployed this time isn’t powerful enough to overpower everyone. Even if we discovered the cave first, we absolutely can’t hold it. Rather, it would make us the target of everyone." "But now, the people occupying the mouth of the cave have changed to Xingyun Pavilion, so now we just need to distribute the location of that cave, the more people who know, the better. In this way, Xingyun Pavilion also won’t wish to explore the cave alone, and later, we too will get a chance to enter the cave." "But, after all, the cave was first discovered by us... What if Xingyun Pavilion gets to the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed first..." Elder Han furrowed his brows, still somewhat unwilling. "Elder Han, didn’t you just say that the cave has many strong prohibitions? If so, Xingyun Pavilion won’t be able to enter it soon, conversely, they might even break some prohibitions for us, removing some obstacles. Isn’t it a good thing for us, why not?" Ye Xuan lightly smiled. Hearing this, Elder Han was left speechless. "Ye Xuan makes sense." Ling Qianxue also nodded, Wanxiang Mountain was after all Xingyun Pavilion’s territory. After all, the whole of Great Yuan Country was under Xingyun Pavilion’s control. A mighty dragon does not suppress the local snake, not to mention, the experts they brought this time were significantly fewer compared to the entire Xingyun Pavilion. If they started a conflict with the people from Xingyun Pavilion as soon as they arrived, their situation would only worsen afterwards. The relationship with the Wildfire Sect was already poor, and in the shadows lingered remnants of the Black Demon Sect, suddenly establishing three formidable enemies. When down the mountain, Ling Jingtian and others had instructed that during this mission they should not make too many enemies, the most important task was to obtain the Heavenly Origin Ancient Seed. Now that the situation is complex, what is needed is not just a heart full of fervor, but also a cool head to make accurate judgements and employ strategic wisdom. PS: Thank you to the book friend "Four-Sided Corner" for the reward of book coins, adding to the previous ten thousand book coins, becoming the Sect Leader of this book!