"Senior Brother, if that were all, you would not be this serious. Please tell us more."
Everyone turned to look at Dao Xuan. Cang Song Zhenren's expression darkened as he asked Dao Xuan.
"It truly is not that simple."
Dao Xuan Zhenren swept his gaze across the Peak Lords before explaining at length, "It is said that although the upper ranks of the Refining Blood Hall were all slain beneath the swords of our righteous forebears, the Wanfu Ancient Cave remained. Hidden within it is a secret treasure vault, containing countless rare treasures and evil tomes whose whereabouts have yet to be discovered."
"Whether this rumor is true or not aside, as far as I know, these Demonic Cult followers have been roaming everywhere as though plotting something. They have gathered several times at the Wanfu Ancient Cave, searching for something. It is quite possible that what they seek is the legendary Blood Devouring Pearl."
At this, Cang Song Zhenren was briefly stunned and confused before recovering. He fixed his eyes on Dao Xuan Zhenren and asked, "But did that fiendish object of the demonic path not disappear with Black Heart Elder's death?"
"Not necessarily. Though Black Heart Elder was slain by our righteous predecessors, the Blood Devouring Pearl may not have been buried away in the world. After all, none of us has ever seen it."
"We must prepare for the worst. We cannot simply stand by and watch. If those Demonic Cult followers truly find the Blood Devouring Pearl, it will surely bring great calamity upon our righteous path."
As he spoke, the expressions of the Peak Lords all changed. Tian Buyi, who had recently suffered at the hands of the Demonic Cult, sneered. "Those heretical fiends are dreaming!"
After hearing Dao Xuan Zhenren's words, everyone fell silent for a long while, each lost in thought. After some time, the cold-faced Master Shui Yue was the first to speak. "What does Sect Leader Senior Brother intend?"
"Upon receiving Yicai's letter, I immediately sent messages to Fenxiang Valley and Tianyin Temple. Both sects are deeply concerned about this matter as well. They have informed me that they will each send their outstanding disciples to Kong Sang Mountain to stop the Demonic Cult followers, eliminate evil, and restore peace to the world."
Dao Xuan Zhenren addressed the group.
"Then Sect Leader Senior Brother intends for us to send disciples as well?"
With Dao Xuan Zhenren putting it that way, the Peak Lords understood. Tian Buyi immediately frowned and asked.
"Correct!"
A faint smile appeared on Dao Xuan Zhenren's face as he said, "The last trial at Nine Yin Mountain ended without success. This is another excellent opportunity. During the Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament these past days, you have all seen that Qingyun Sect is brimming with talent and thriving. Yet most Daoist Followers have not undergone much tempering."
"Especially Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu under Junior Brother Cang Song, Su Changqing and Lu Xueqi under Junior Sister Shui Yue, Tian Buyi's remarkably unassuming Zhang Xiaofan, and disciples such as Zeng Shushu. They are all outstanding geniuses of Qingyun Sect, blessed with Astonishing Talent."
"Therefore, I plan to send the top eight disciples from the Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament to Kong Sang Mountain. On one hand, they can prevent the Demonic Cult from carrying out their secret schemes. On the other, they can gain experience and broaden their horizons."
After saying this, Dao Xuan Zhenren solemnly turned his gaze toward Master Shui Yue.
He said to her with utmost seriousness, "Chang Qing in particular. That strange Lightning Technique he displayed today allowed him to break through several realms in succession. You all saw it."
"It would not be an exaggeration for me to call him a genius unseen in ten thousand ages."
"If he remains confined within Qingyun Sect forever, it will be a tragedy like Zhong Yong's. Letting him travel the world is like releasing a dragon into the sea, allowing him to roam freely and forge his Great Dao!"
Shuiyue frowned.
She understood Su Changqing's uniqueness perfectly well.
But on a personal level, no matter how gifted Su Changqing was, he was still Shuiyue's disciple. She cherished and cared for him deeply. If he truly had to face the Demonic Cult now, she could not help worrying.
"Junior Sister Shui Yue, there is no need for you to worry."
"Not only will other disciples be accompanying him on this journey, but Su Changqing's strength and temperament alone are enough to keep him safe. Have you forgotten that the person who helped you at Nine Yin Mountain may very well have been Chang Qing?"
"Not to mention that this child likes to hide his abilities. I fear that the strength he has displayed so far is not even one-tenth of his true power."
At this, everyone secretly marveled.
"Furthermore, I have heard that Tianyin Temple and Fenxiang Valley have produced many talented disciples over the past century. If we sit by and do nothing, I fear we will have to yield the position of leader of the righteous path to others."
"Su Changqing has already shaken Qingyun Sect once. Who is to say he cannot shake the other righteous sects as well? When that time comes, the whole world will know that Qingyun Sect has produced a genius seen only once in ten thousand years!"
Dao Xuan Zhenren continued.
They all strongly agreed with this view.
"Very well, the matter is settled. Junior Sister Shui Yue, you may first ask Chang Qing whether he is willing. I believe he can make his own decision."
With those final words, the matter of how to deal with the Demonic Cult was decided.
After the Peak Lords departed one by one, Dao Xuan Zhenren, sitting alone in the great hall, finally revealed a proud smile. He muttered to himself, "Hmph! Have you not all been bragging about how many disciples of Astonishing Talent your sects have produced?"
"Now that Qingyun Sect has Su Changqing, I shall let you understand that there is always someone greater and a sky beyond the sky. Every favored genius will pale in comparison to Su Changqing."
"Ha ha ha!"
As he spoke, waves of laughter echoed through the vast hall.
Elsewhere, at the Little Bamboo Peak residence.
Su Changqing was sitting cross-legged in meditation. The Thunder Emperor's Treasure Technique he had comprehended today governed the Thunder Pool and killing arts. He intended to use the next few days to fully comprehend it.
His battle with Qi Hao for first place had been scheduled for three days later. Since he had astonished everyone with his brilliance today, Su Changqing's name would certainly spread far and wide.
One could imagine how many troubles that would bring.
He pondered in silence. After this Seven Meridians Martial Arts Tournament, he had to enter the Core Formation Realm as soon as possible, then find an opportunity to leave the mountain and travel, seeking his own opportunities in the mortal world.
Unexpectedly, Shuiyue knocked on his door.
"Chang Qing, are you asleep?"
Su Changqing quickly rose and opened the door to let Shuiyue in. He politely greeted her and asked, "Master, it is so late. Have you come to see your disciple because something important has happened?"
"There is indeed an important matter I need to discuss with you."
After Shuiyue found a chair and sat down, she slowly told Su Changqing about what Sect Leader Senior Brother had said to the Peak Lords in the great hall.
"Going to Kong Sang Mountain for training?"
Su Changqing was instantly overjoyed.
He had just been thinking of leaving the mountain, yet the sect already had such plans. It suited him perfectly, so Su Changqing agreed without hesitation. "Master, I am willing to go!"
During the last trip to Nine Yin Mountain, he had been focused solely on finding the Desolate Orchid Water Lily to break through. He had not properly dealt with those Demonic Cult members.
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