Shi Songquan nodded deeply, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"I sensed something amiss too. They've selected geniuses every year, but never offered compensation this generous. Waiving five years of tribute comes at too great a cost. It's far too unusual."
"The disciples our sect has raised took immense effort to cultivate. If the Profound Truth Sect takes them in..."
"There's something suspicious about this move, and their purpose is unclear. If we agree rashly, we may be planting a grave danger within the sect."
The two exchanged a look and reached the same conclusion.
Whatever the Profound Truth Sect was after, whatever schemes it had hidden, their best choice for now was to watch and wait.
They would steady the situation first, investigate the true purpose behind the selection, and make a final decision only after seeing what the other side was really plotting.
"We'll hold our position and watch for now," Shi Songquan said gravely.
At Lu Ding's residence, Cheng Heng cupped his fists respectfully and asked to see him.
The wooden door opened. Lu Ding sat on a meditation cushion, his expression calm, as though he had long expected Cheng Heng to emerge from seclusion today.
Cheng Heng entered the cave and bowed. Without delay, he reported the results of his cultivation.
"Master, during this seclusion, I broke through the bottleneck and entered the Early Inner Vajra Realm. I've also cultivated the Flame Vajra Fire-Control Alchemy Art to perfection."
A trace of carefully hidden approval and relief crossed Lu Ding's eyes.
The plan he had laid long ago had finally reached a crucial step.
Cheng Heng then voiced his greatest concern and told him everything he had heard about the sect's recent situation.
"I've only just emerged from seclusion, but I heard that an envoy from