Chapter 207: Northern Barbarians Xuanji Sect
“This time, there’s no need to trouble Elder Jiang, Elder Shen, or Xu Ning. Our Hall of Vast Fate can settle this matter.”
Yang Jueding spoke first, drawing everyone’s gaze to him.
Although the Hall of Vast Fate did not have particularly famous geniuses, it was still a hall division of the Clear Sky Sect. It was a place that True Transmission Disciples scrambled to enter.
Its foundation had already taken shape, and he was confident he could resolve the troubles the sect was facing.
Xue Jin spoke up, saying, “The disciples of the Tempering Hall spend long periods outside and are more familiar with worldly affairs. Leaving it to us would be more reliable.”
“The Sword Sect can also handle it,” Han Lang followed up.
Li Sijin and Zhu Yan also spoke one after another.
This was the first time Yan Daozong had seen such a situation. When the sect was in trouble, those in power did not even ask who the enemy was, instead directly competing to take on the task.
When Tianxuan Mountain encountered such matters, they would only push responsibility onto one another, discuss plans, and have to deliberate several times before finally making a decision.
Of course, the Clear Sky Sect was indeed far stronger than Tianxuan Mountain—this was an undeniable fact. But what he admired most was the Clear Sky Sect disciples’ eagerness to contribute to the sect.
No one was born this way.
It was because Li Qingqiu, as Sect Master, treated his disciples well and could give them hope that the disciples became so proactive.
If all merit were swallowed by those in power, how could the people below remain motivated?
Jiang Zhaoxia rarely spoke this time, because he was busy trying to surpass Xu Ning in cultivation.
He had discovered a fact: when aptitude was similar, setting aside fortuitous opportunities, whoever spent more time cultivating would advance faster. Previously, he had gone down the mountain more often than Xu Ning, which was why he could never catch up to her.
One step slow meant every step slow.
Li Qingqiu felt very gratified in his heart, but his face remained expressionless.
Yuan Qi and Chu Jing stood behind him, each feeling excited. Yuan Qi had previously only been a messenger, and now that he could participate in discussions at Lingxiao Courtyard, he was naturally thrilled.
As for Chu Jing, he had found the feeling of being alive again.
Zhang Yuchun coughed lightly and said, “Everyone, listen to the situation first before discussing who will go deal with it.”
The crowd quieted down and turned their gazes toward him.
Zhang Yuchun continued, “Previously, the Three Founding Sects of the Great Dynasty wanted to attack the Clear Sky Sect. You should all remember this. Later, we carried out a reckoning against the Three Founding Sects. The Li Yin Sect and Taiwu Sect were already destroyed, but Jianji Sect escaped and disappeared without a trace.”
Upon hearing the three words Jianji Sect, Shen Yue’s expression changed slightly.
He had ties to Jianji Sect. He had once been a disciple there. Although he had severed relations in the end, that past was not entirely without weight in his heart.
The expressions of the others relaxed instead. If it was Jianji Sect, they were not afraid.
What they feared were hidden forces like the Qi Clan, secretly raising demons.
In their eyes, what could threaten the Clear Sky Sect were no longer worldly powers, but demons and ghosts.
“Recently, Jianji Sect has re-established itself in Cangzhou. At the same time, the Northern Barbarians have been attacking Cangzhou. One of our sect’s disciples was tempering himself in Cangzhou and gathered information. He found that Jianji Sect has close ties with the Northern Barbarians. They are preparing to assist the Northern Barbarians in stealing control of the world. He also heard Jianji Sect disciples mention a Northern Barbarian sect called the Xuanji Sect. It is said that this Northern Barbarian sect is also preparing to head south.”
Zhang Yuchun relayed the intelligence. Upon hearing the three words Xuanji Sect, both Shen Yue and Yan Daozong frowned.
Li Qingqiu had already learned of the Xuanji Sect from Chu Jing, but the information was not detailed enough. He looked at Shen Yue and Yan Daozong and asked, “Have you heard of the Xuanji Sect?”
Shen Yue spoke, saying, “The Xuanji Sect has a long history. The founding ancestor of Jianji Sect came from the Xuanji Sect. Where the Xuanji Sect is located, no one knows. There are many legends about it. Some say there are immortals within the Xuanji Sect, while others say there are people who entered the Dao through martial arts. I have also been to the Northern Barbarians. Although I did not go deep inside, the tribal people there all worship statues of the Xuanji Sect. From this, one can see how great the Xuanji Sect’s influence over the Northern Barbarians is.”
Yan Daozong followed up, saying, “Tianxuan Mountain also once recorded the Xuanji Sect. Eight hundred years ago, the Xuanji Sect headed south. Tianxuan Mountain and Fengxia Mountain joined hands with the martial world of the Nine Provinces to resist the Xuanji Sect. Although the Xuanji Sect was ultimately repelled, the martial world of the Nine Provinces suffered heavy casualties, and Tianxuan Mountain entered several decades of decline as a result. At that time, rulers of several dynasties were captured by the Xuanji Sect—alive, no one saw them; dead, no bodies were found.”
“Before my master passed away, he also mentioned the Xuanji Sect. He said that this sect from ancient legend possessed foundations deeper than dynasties, was full of ambition, and that one day, they would head south again and swallow the lands of the Nine Provinces.”
After hearing the words of the two of them, everyone’s expressions turned solemn.
To severely damage the martial world of the Nine Provinces with the power of a single sect was no simple matter.
Zhu Yan looked at them and asked, “Is it possible that the Xuanji Sect is, like us, an Immortal Cultivation Sect?”
Shen Yue shook his head and said, “If they were as powerful as we are, they would have already overturned the world. Of course, several hundred years have passed. Their heading south again this time may be because they are stronger than before.”
Yan Daozong echoed, saying, “We truly cannot be careless when dealing with the Xuanji Sect. The Northern Barbarian lands are vast and desolate. To exist in such a place for over a thousand years is no simple feat.”
The crowd fell into silence, beginning to ponder the level of threat posed by the Xuanji Sect.
Li Qingqiu swept his gaze around and said, “Jianji Sect must be destroyed, and the Xuanji Sect must also be guarded against.
The Xuanji Sect was once able to confront the entire martial world of the Nine Provinces. Its strength must be formidable.
Even if there are no Immortal Cultivators, it is highly likely they are hiding Dao-entering experts like Yan Daozong. This matter cannot be taken lightly. No matter who goes, they must be extremely cautious.”
“Now, speak. Who is willing to shoulder this task?”
Although the threat posed by the Xuanji Sect was an unknown, the Clear Sky Sect had already grown strong. Without understanding the Xuanji Sect’s situation, it was impossible to pour all their strength into dealing with the Xuanji Sect.
Developing themselves was the Clear Sky Sect’s most important matter.
Xue Jin was the first to speak, saying, “The Tempering Hall is willing to take on this matter. It will also be a good opportunity to explore the Northern Border for the sect.”
This time, no one competed with him for the task.
Li Qingqiu was very satisfied with Xue Jin. Xue Jin was always a disciple worthy of his trust.
“This matter does not require you to personally lead the team. You should give the disciples opportunities to be tempered,” Li Qingqiu said seriously.
Xue Jin opened his mouth, but in the end, he still agreed.
Li Qingqiu looked at the others and said, “Not only Xue Jin—other halls are the same. You must cultivate people who can shoulder heavy responsibilities. If matters are difficult to resolve, then you can take action. The Clear Sky Sect commands over ten thousand disciples. This is also an opportunity for disciples to stand out. In the future, there will be branch halls at all levels, and we will need talent.”
The hall masters all nodded, indicating they had taken note.
Li Qingqiu arranged things this way not only to unearth talent, but also because he wanted those present to have more time to cultivate.
As the sect produced more and more geniuses, once these geniuses grew up, they would inevitably impact the higher ranks.
One day, the positions of hall masters would change hands. Li Qingqiu hoped they could remain in their current positions for as long as possible.
Of course, even if they were replaced in the future, Li Qingqiu would not neglect them. Other positions of authority would be established then, though their power would not be as great as it was now.
“Next, let’s talk about the matter of establishing branch halls. Each hall must prepare at least three sets of branch hall lineups and submit them to Lingxiao Courtyard. I will personally approve them. Each lineup must have one Branch Hall Master, one Deputy Hall Master, and three elders.”
Li Qingqiu continued issuing instructions.
The hall masters’ eyes all lit up. With branch halls, they would no longer have to worry about how to promote their subordinates, and their authority would also become greater.
Yan Daozong was secretly alarmed.
The speed at which the Clear Sky Sect was expanding was even faster than he had imagined.
Next, Li Qingqiu had them discuss where the branch halls would be established.
This Lingxiao Courtyard meeting lasted for one full hour.
Yan Daozong did not feel bored at all. On the contrary, he found it very interesting and gained a deeper understanding of the Clear Sky Sect.
He followed the Clear Sky Sect’s upper echelons as they walked out of Lingxiao Courtyard.
Just as he descended the steps, he saw Jiang Zhaoxia ahead turning around to look at him.
“If there’s a chance, let’s spar on the Martial Arena,” Jiang Zhaoxia said.
Very direct!
The others all revealed expressions of watching a show.
Wu Man’er stepped forward and said, “Third Senior Brother, don’t bully him!”
His expression was serious, causing Jiang Zhaoxia to frown involuntarily.
Yan Daozong followed up, saying, “When?”
Jiang Zhaoxia shook his head and said, “Forget it. You don’t cultivate immortality. You’re not my opponent.”
After speaking, he glared at Wu Man’er and turned to leave.
His words, however, made Yan Daozong frown.
The others also left one after another, not interfering in their matter.
“Don’t take it to heart. He’s just that kind of person. He doesn’t have any ill intent,” Shen Yue patted Yan Daozong on the shoulder and said with a soft laugh.
He had often been angered by Jiang Zhaoxia in the past as well. Later, after realizing Jiang Zhaoxia treated everyone the same way, he felt relieved.
Yan Daozong nodded. But in his heart, he secretly decided that he must find an opportunity to fight Jiang Zhaoxia.
On the other side.
When only Li Qingqiu and Chu Jing remained in the courtyard, he instructed Chu Jing, saying, “Notify the Dark Hall and have them dispatch five people to investigate the Xuanji Sect.”
Chu Jing had previously witnessed Li Qingqiu establishing the Dark Hall, so Li Qingqiu had him pass along messages, sparing himself from having to personally run around each time.
After Chu Jing left, Li Qingqiu sat on the chair, thinking alone.
The Xuanji Sect came from the distant Northern Barbarians, and he could not help but think more deeply. But reason told him that no matter how strong the Xuanji Sect was, it would not be overwhelmingly strong. Otherwise, the lands of the Nine Provinces would have long since been carved up by the Northern Barbarians.
Moreover, Cangzhou was far from the Ancient Great Mountain Range. If variables truly arose, the Clear Sky Sect would still have time to respond.
“One more year. I hope Zhen’er’s fate calamity has nothing to do with the Xuanji Sect.”
Li Qingqiu thought silently.
This year, Zhao Zhen would step past the age of fifteen. After enduring one more year, he would cross the calamity in his fate.
Li Qingqiu regarded this matter as extremely important. It was not only because of the deep bond between master and disciple, but also because he wanted to see whether he himself could help Zhao Zhen overcome the calamity.
That way, if he encountered similar fate traits in the future, he would have some confidence in helping his disciples.
News of the impending establishment of branch halls quickly spread throughout the sect.
This caused many disciples to begin taking action, and all the halls became lively, which also gave the hall masters headaches.
At dusk.
Yun Cai walked into her own courtyard. Inside the courtyard, seven female disciples were gathered together discussing the Branch Hall Master position. When they saw her return, they immediately waved her over.
Very quickly, Yun Cai learned of their thoughts and immediately vetoed them, saying, “What branch hall? There’s no way I’m leaving Clear Sky Mountain, unless the Sect Master arranges for me to go out on a mission.”
One of the female disciples could not help but ask, “Don’t you have even the slightest thought about your own status, any plans at all?”
Yun Cai looked at her, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly, but she quickly suppressed it.