The Sect's Hope

A heart-stopping battle.

From the initial outburst to the conclusion, it took only a few breaths.

Yet, it left the numerous disciples with boiling blood, especially that heaven-piercing sword radiance—what immense power.

As the saying goes, "If one hears the Way in the morning, one can die without regret in the evening."

Ordinary disciples might not have seen much, but many sword experts, such as Liu Sheng, were watching in a state of intoxication.

This person's swordsmanship has reached the pinnacle. If I could take him as my master... no, even just receiving a bit of guidance would be enough to benefit me infinitely.

What a pity, such a pity.

Liu Sheng's face was full of dejection.

He felt immense regret for not being able to see such a peerless powerhouse.

Little did he know, the peerless powerhouse he was currently pining for was standing not far away, leisurely cracking melon seeds.

"This matter is settled, I should go back to sweeping the floor."

Seeing that the affair had ended and there was no more excitement to watch, Lin Cheng left on his own, leaving behind a crowd of disciples whispering in heated discussion.

Before leaving, he suddenly caught sight of Meng Tangtang standing blankly on the stage.

He felt it was necessary to greet his disciple.

With a flicker of his divine sense, an imperceptible ripple was transmitted.

Am I still alive?

Meng Tangtang suddenly realized she was safe; that red-robed elder had been struck by a sword beam and his soul scattered, and the other Blood-Oath Sect elder had also been suppressed and killed.

What is going on?

Looking at the spiritual longsword in her hand, Meng Tangtang had a faint guess in her heart. That terrifying sword light from just a moment ago seemed to have been emitted from the longsword, saving her life at the most critical juncture!

It was Master!

Meng Tangtang gently cradled the longsword, her eyes slightly moist.

Although they hadn't known each other for long.

Master had done so much for her, even considering such detailed safety issues for her sake.

A warm current surged through her heart.

Just then, a familiar, aged voice suddenly traveled through the air.

"Well done!"

Only four words, yet they struck her heart like a heavy hammer.

Meng Tangtang's spirit shook, followed by overflowing joy—it was even better than being able to cultivate!

Master praised me!

I truly didn't let Master down!

"Thank you, Master, for saving my life. Disciple will work even harder and will never bring shame to Master!" Meng Tangtang bowed toward the void.

She looked around but found no suspicious figures.

Master's image became even more mysterious and towering in her heart. Since the voice seemed audible only to her, Meng Tangtang felt delighted.

Thinking back to that terrifying sword light, Meng Tangtang was filled with joy while simultaneously feeling an inexplicable sense of pride.

At this moment, she couldn't help but want to shout out to everyone.

Look!

This is my Master!

An invincible powerhouse who suppressed an eighth-rank with a single sword!

"Hehe..."

Meng Tangtang giggled foolishly, then suddenly realized someone was calling her.

Turning her head, she saw that everyone's gaze was fixed on her, and she felt a bit shy...

What happened?

"You are Meng Tangtang, right? Not bad, quite good indeed. You haven't disgraced the prestige of the Innate Divine Body!" A kindly-looking, chubby old man walked toward her with large strides, followed by a group of similarly smiling old men and women.

"Ah, disciple greets the Elder!"

Coming back to her senses, Meng Tangtang hurriedly bowed.

"Quickly, rise. If you hadn't stood against the disaster for the sect this time and caused the Blood-Oath Sect's treacherous plot to fail, we truly wouldn't know how to answer to the sect! You have rendered a great service this time. Whatever reward you want, just ask. As long as the sect has it, we won't be stingy!"

Elder Hao laughed heartily, full of praise.

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue erupted in an uproar.

Hundreds and thousands of disciples cast gazes filled with envy and jealousy; who wouldn't covet such a stroke of good fortune?

"Ah, this..."

Meng Tangtang was a bit dazed. It was her first time being fawned over so enthusiastically, especially by a high-ranking and powerful elder of the Jingyun Sect.

This left her feeling somewhat at a loss for what to do.

As for the reward...

She truly hadn't thought about it. At the time, she had only wanted to stand up for her sect, and coupled with her master's influence, she had acted out of righteous anger.

"Haha, it's fine if you haven't decided yet; there is plenty of time to think it over slowly!"

Elder Hao noticed her embarrassment and thought to himself that she was, after all, just a young girl with a pure heart.

This was for the best; at least the sect wouldn't be raising an ingrate. He had to keep in mind that they intended to groom Meng Tangtang as the sect's successor!

If she were to grow powerful while harboring malicious intent, given the destructive potential of the Xiantian Realm, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Many thanks, Elder." Meng Tangtang nodded.

"How is it?"

Elder Hao spoke quietly with the other elders.

"This child has a good disposition. I think it works; she is worth cultivating!"

"Agreed!"

"I concur!"

"Seconded."

"..."

Seeing the elders all nodding in agreement, Elder Hao also nodded and said, "Since that is the case, the matter is settled for now. However, we must carefully deliberate on how to cultivate her; we absolutely cannot waste such a fine talent."

"Rest assured, there is no need for you to emphasize that here. We will naturally cultivate her as the Young Sect Master!" the hot-tempered elder widened his eyes.

"Very good."

Elder Hao stroked his beard and smiled, "Then, let us take her to see the Grand Elder next. While we have no objections, the final decision must rest with her."

The group nodded in agreement.

Usually, they could make most decisions themselves, but this concerned the future survival of the sect. With the Sect Master away at the front lines fighting the alien races and the sect left without a leader, such a major matter required the word of the sect's pillar of strength.

Blood-Oath Sect.

The sect was established atop a gloomy, sinister graveyard. Looking around, one saw nothing but blood-red architecture. The environment was somber, and phantom-like screams echoed through the air from time to time, making one's scalp tingle.

"Old Seven and Old Eight went to the Jingyun Sect; why haven't they returned yet?"

"Could something have happened to them?"

A figure in red robes looked into the distance, filled with anxiety.

"Old Three."

Just then, the red-robed figure's body shuddered as a voice echoed in his ears. He quickly responded, "Boss, how is the Sect Master?"

"He has reached a critical moment. In three years at the shortest, or five at the longest, the Sect Master will surely break through that shackle and step into a higher realm. That will be the moment our Blood-Oath Sect ascends to a two-star sect!" The boss's voice was filled with excitement.

"That's wonderful!"

"Ever since the Sect Master went into seclusion, the deterrent power of our Blood-Oath Sect has plummeted. Those fellows have stopped taking us seriously! Even the Jingyun Sect, a mere bottom-tier sect among the top ten, dares to strike at our elders. They are simply audacious!"

Just moments ago, Old Three had received news from below.

Elders Chi and Mei had fallen!

Preposterous!

The dignified Blood-Oath Sect—the Eight Great Guardian Elders, the Heaven-Slaying, Earth-Extinguishing, Chi, Mei, Wang, and Liang—which of them didn't possess a fearsome reputation? Yet now, they had fallen at the hands of the Jingyun Sect along with the Divine Son. It was sheer insolence.

"Once the Sect Master emerges from seclusion, the Jingyun Sect will be the first to be put to the blade!"

"Do not be hasty."

Elder Tian smiled faintly. "That old hag at the Jingyun Sect holds a massive favor from the Five Elements Sect; she could even move that person from the Five Elements Sect to act. Until the Sect Master emerges, we must keep a low profile. For now, there is another urgent matter that requires you and Old Four to make a trip."

Upon hearing the words "Five Elements Sect," Old Three's body trembled, and he immediately fell silent.

Recalling something, his face was filled with terror.

The Five Elements Sect.

That was the head of the Southern Region's top ten sects, the only two-star sect, and the undisputed hegemon of the entire Southern Region.

The sect possessed more than one Xiantian expert.

The Five Elements Ancestor of the Five Elements Sect was even a Foundation Establishment venerable.

It was precisely because of his existence that the various sects of the Southern Region could unite to resist the invasion of the alien races.

The Five Elements Ancestor was a man of integrity.

He despised filth above all else and could not tolerate even a speck of sand in his eyes.

However, the alien races were coming with fierce momentum, and the human race was weak; every ounce of strength was precious, which was why he had not wiped out sects like the Blood-Oath Sect.

Otherwise...

Thinking of the wrath of a Foundation Establishment venerable, it was certainly not something the current Blood-Oath Sect could withstand!

With that person's favor hanging in the balance, it would not be wise to take action against the Jingyun Sect openly; otherwise, would it not delay the Sect Master's grand plan?

Thinking of this, although unwilling, the third brother had no choice but to temporarily call off his plans.

"What is it?" the third brother asked.

"This matter is of extreme importance. It concerns our sect's grand plan to promote to a two-star sect, and it also involves the Jingyun Sect..." Elder Tian laughed sinisterly. The two whispered for a while before looking up and laughing loudly, cold light flickering in the third brother's eyes.

"Jingyun Sect, heh heh..."