In an instant, everyone’s eyes turned to Zhao Ya, including Shangguan Jianmei, who put down her wine glass, waiting for a response.
Zhao Ya remained silent.
In fact, he also understood that He Nandou’s reason for raising this question was not to deliberately embarrass him in public.
On the contrary, it was actually a good thing.
Because if all the issues are clarified before departure, it creates a solid foundation for future cooperation.
Thus, after a moment of silence, Zhao Ya dipped his finger in wine and slowly wrote the word "kill" on the table.
The calligraphy was swift and graceful, yet it conveyed an air of undeniable killing intent.
Everyone shuddered involuntarily.
He Nandou, however, burst into a grin and slammed the table heavily, "Good, now that’s interesting. Otherwise, all our hard fighting would just end up benefiting others!"
For someone like He Nandou, who holds a high position and controls the fate of many, every word and action is related to countless lives and honors.
So he couldn’t afford not to be cautious.
Moreover, this matter concerned the safety of the entire Beyond the World, where all the major sects should jointly act. Why should their few sects charge ahead while the others sit back and enjoy the fruits?
Shangguan Jianmei, standing by, also nodded in approval, clearly agreeing with He Nandou’s words.
Zhao Ya was well aware of this as well.
Actually, his own thoughts had undergone a change.
Before returning from the Mechanical Sect, he intended to stabilize the situation first and then deal with those sects that were unwilling to contribute while hiding behind.
But when he saw so many young and passionate individuals from the Mechanical Sect heading to the Northern Realm’s Snowfield with determination, his thoughts began to change.
This matter must be addressed in advance, or else it will severely affect the morale of the people.
Therefore, after returning to the Azure Dragon Temple, Zhao Ya quickly made a decision to send Shen Yunshen down the mountain with a group of people first.
If the journey went smoothly, he should have reached the first destination by now.
Of course, with so many sects Beyond the World, going through them one by one would be too time-consuming.
So Zhao Ya chose a relatively clever approach.
He sent Shen Yunshen’s people to deal with those sects contrary to the path leading to the Northern Realm.
And primarily through intimidation.
But if the other party is truly obstinate, then let them have a taste of blood.
After all, some people only learn humility and remember lessons after experiencing pain.
The remaining sects are mostly located along the route to the Northern Realm’s Snowfield, so they can be dealt with on the way.
When Zhao Ya laid out his plan, He Nandou finally relaxed completely.
"Good, since Temple Master Zhao has made a decision, I am at ease."
The atmosphere at the banquet grew even more lively, continuing until late into the night.
Zhao Ya personally arranged accommodations for He Nandou and his men and set aside several courtyards for the members of the Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion to rest.
By the time he finished all this, it was already early morning. Zhao Ya did not return to his own courtyard but instead headed to the Library.
His master, Guo Luming, and Qin Jianji were still awake.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya, Guo Luming immediately said, "Why did you send Yun Shen down the mountain for such a task? You know what he’s like, he’s quick to take lives!"
Zhao Ya nodded, "Master, I understand what you’re saying, but that’s exactly the result I want."
Guo Luming understood Zhao Ya’s intentions, but he still felt it was too radical.
After all, the Azure Dragon Temple had always prided itself as the foremost righteous faction since its establishment.
Now, to launch attacks against other sects also Beyond the World, Guo Luming found it hard to accept.
Zhao Ya understood Guo Luming’s perspective but did not elaborate further.
After all, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures; if he adhered to old ways at this critical time, the favorable situation created with great effort would be destroyed.
Guo Luming sighed and said, "Ya, don’t find me nagging, but it’s best to leave some room in whatever you do. Otherwise, no matter how great a contribution you make to Beyond the World, no one would be grateful."
Zhao Ya nodded, "I understand, Master."
"Go on, you’ve been busy all day, go and get some rest."
Zhao Ya turned and left.
As he watched Zhao Ya’s upright, sword-like silhouette blend into the darkness, a trace of worry appeared in Guo Luming’s eyes.
Qin Jianji, standing by, couldn’t help but advise, "Elder, you don’t have to worry too much. Ya has always been very measured in what he does. So, him acting this way now must have his reasons."
"Ah, I know he has his reasons and difficulties, but what I’m worried about is his youthful impulsiveness being exploited, ending up as someone else’s pawn."
Qin Jianji’s expression turned serious, "Do you mean... He Nandou had an ulterior motive when he raised that question publicly?"
"No one can say for sure, but for seasoned individuals in the Jianghu like him, every word and action carries deep meaning. So if he wants to use this matter to eliminate his opponents through our Azure Dragon Temple and Ya’s hands... "
Guo Luming paused, and then said, "It’s not impossible!"
Qin Jianji’s expression also grew solemn, for if Guo Luming’s suspicion holds true, it would indeed be very serious.