With that, Divine Monk Liaofan said no more. He pressed his palms together and bowed to Lin Xuan and the others, then left the hall with the Buddhist representatives.
Silence fell over the hall.
Lin Xuan watched Liaofan and the others leave, his expression calm, betraying neither pleasure nor anger.
"Alliance Leader, the Buddhist Sect seems... rather dissatisfied."
Lingxu Zi frowned.
"You would be dissatisfied too, in their place."
Lin Xuan said evenly, "But dissatisfaction is one thing, reality another."
"Pass down the order. As discussed, issue Ye Wuhen a final ultimatum in the Tianlan Alliance's name."
"At the same time, open channels for exchanging strategic supplies with the Buddha Kingdom. Allow the sects to send experts to assist in its war under the title of 'Demon-Slaying Envoys.' Have the Deacon Hall draft the specific regulations."
"Yes, Alliance Leader."
The deacons in the hall accepted the orders.
"This meeting is adjourned."
Lin Xuan waved his hand.
Everyone departed in succession, each harboring their own thoughts.
Only when Lin Xuan and a few trusted confidants remained did a Grand Elder whisper, "Sect Master, I fear the Buddhist Sect hates us now."
"Hates us?"
Lin Xuan looked outside the hall, as though his gaze pierced the endless void and reached that southwestern land where Buddhist light and demonic energy intertwined. "It isn't me they hate. It's this world, and the hearts of men."
"Send word to the sect to strengthen its defenses, especially toward the East Sea and Wilderness Continent. Report any unusual movements immediately."
"Yes!"
After everyone left, Lin Xuan sat alone in the hall, tapping the armrest lightly with his knuckles.
*"Do not participate in the struggle on Buddha Light Continent. Have him deflect and maneuver, condemn the Demon Sect, but never take military action against it. Let the Buddhist