The other figures present began discussing the Grand Elder's specific breakthrough situation in the cavern below.
As they talked, time slowly passed.
Suddenly, a figure descended silently from above, shrouded in Demon Aura. Clearly, he was another person who had undergone demonic transformation.
After landing, he walked straight to the man at their head: Kunwu, Demon Venerable Black Jade, newly appointed Grand Elder after the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion had lost two successive Elders of that rank.
"Elder, things outside the valley have been a little strange lately!"
At his words, Kunwu remained motionless. A long while passed before he slowly opened his eyes and glanced over, his indifferent gaze devoid of emotion. "Tell me what's strange."
"Recently, Disciples sent into the Three Kingdoms to hunt commoners or capture Martial Dao experts—even demons—have been disappearing in large numbers for no apparent reason."
"We've lost Disciples on these missions before, but the losses stayed within manageable limits. Nothing like the numbers we've seen lately."
"So, Grand Elder, I suspect another force has set its sights on us. Those missing Disciples may have fallen into their hands."
"The Great Yan Dynasty has also made a move. Not long ago, it sent a large number of troops into Coldlight Commandery, where Secluded Valley is located."
"According to our spies in the Great Yan Dynasty, the court may have discovered what our Holy Sect has been doing in secret these past few years. It's moving more troops into Coldlight Commandery, and we may be its next target."
"The Great Yan Dynasty..."
After hearing the report, Kunwu murmured the name. A flash of icy killing intent crossed his snake-cold eyes.
He did not rush to a decision. Instead, he asked the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion demon venerable before him, "Have the sect master, the vice sect master,