The Luo Tian Sect's Substance and Show

"We may travel a thousand miles together, but we must part eventually. This is far enough, everyone!"

Outside the Luo Tian Alliance's newly built, still rudimentary defenses, a gray-haired old man turned to face the five Golden Core Cultivators who had come to see him off.

Before any of them could speak, he cast a casual glance at the rough fortifications nearby.

"If you want to keep this territory once Howling Moon has been secured, you should give serious thought to what I said!"

The five cultivators' faces stiffened.

Luo Chen composed himself and cupped his fists.

"Thank you for telling us in advance, Qu Daoyou. We'll give you an answer as soon as possible."

"Good. So long as you understand. I'll be on my way."

"Safe travels, Qu Daoyou!"

The five, led by Luo Chen, watched Qu Xibai depart. Silence fell among them.

Beneath the low wall, none of the five Golden Core Cultivators spoke.

Luo Chen's heart was heavy too.

He had expected this day. Heartless Immortal had warned him about it, after all. He just had not expected it so soon!

It had not even been a year!

Qu Xibai's purpose in coming today was simple enough.

He had invited the Luo Tian Alliance to take part in the Founding War.

Some might wonder: wasn't the Luo Tian Alliance already taking part in the Founding War against the Howling Moon Mountain Range?

Why issue another invitation?

But this was different!

This time, the invitation was for the alliance's high-level cultivators to join the Nine Sects Sword Holding Hall and carry out missions on the most dangerous front lines.

"High-level" meant at least Foundation Establishment Stage, though Golden Core Cultivators would be preferred.

For the Luo Tian Alliance,

Those cultivators were its foremost fighting force.

And the missions