Chapter 236: Demons from the East

Chapter 236: Demons from the East

Tianqu City is the core of East City.

The primary battlefield between good and evil.

Therefore, actually, whether inside or outside Tianqu City,

Finding traces of cult members isn’t particularly surprising.

Inside the city, it’s a bit better. Although after multiple layers of screening, there may still be some who have managed to hide with ulterior motives,

It is already extremely rare.

But outside the city... that’s commonplace.

What makes today crucial is that the Tianqu Sword Debate has led to a mix of all kinds of people in Tianqu City, creating a chaotic atmosphere.

Among them, could there be those with ulterior motives?

Are there people who have been coerced or manipulated by cult members to harbor ill intentions?

Or perhaps cult members who have infiltrated Tianqu City, hiding their identities, stirring up trouble in various places, plunging the entire city into chaos?

Ultimately providing cult members with an opportunity to exploit the situation!?

These are all things that need to be considered.

At present, the seven major sects have accounted for all these variables.

Even if there really is a problem inside the city, it can be suppressed instantly.

However, if cult members outside the city launch a large-scale attack...

It cannot be ignored.

So, when Luo Changsheng heard that traces of the cult had appeared outside Tianqu City, his heart clenched.

He immediately asked:

"Who are the people? How many are there?"

The disciple from the Distant Mountain Sword Sect who was relaying the message said:

"There are quite a few... Except for those from the Extreme Joy Heaven Palace, both the Evernight Valley and Youquan Cult are present.

"It looks like a significant figure is on their way."

"Where are the leaders of the seven sects currently?"

"They are already on the city walls."

"We should head over there."

Luo Changsheng immediately headed towards the east city gate, and as he walked, he asked:

"How is Wan Zangxin?"

"After performing his ritual cleansing, he’s waiting at the inn."

"The Cloud Cleansing Platform is already prepared, waiting for Liu Suifeng to arrive before the battle can begin."

"How far is Liu Suifeng from Tianqu City?"

"Less than fifty li."

"It seems those intending to cause trouble didn't succeed."

"Not only did they fail, but..."

The disciple beside him had a strange expression.

"Oh? Any changes?"

Luo Changsheng looked at him.

The man thought for a moment and said, "After leaving Jingchan Temple, Liu Suifeng rushed towards Tianqu City. The closer he got, the more imposing his aura became!

"There are reports that someone saw Liu Suifeng on the road.

"Seemingly walking slowly yet swiftly, his eyes appeared distant, deeply concealed.

"He seemed almost otherworldly, in a trance-like state.

"Though his sword remained sheathed, a constant hum of energy enveloped him.

"Wherever he passed, leaves and grass within a half-foot radius were severed by his sword's energy.

"Such power left those who tried to intercept him not daring to make a move; they only watched from afar, and even that left them spellbound.

"It was as if a sword was born in their hearts, and if he even willed it, they felt they'd be cleaved in two!"

"Hiss!!"

Luo Changsheng couldn't help but take a sharp breath. "Has he really reached such a level?"

"Your disciple dared not believe it either, feeling that someone might have exaggerated the truth.

"However, it is undeniable that he has been growing stronger on this journey.

"Those who ambushed him were just some insignificant figures.

"Even if they had some skills, they could not do anything to him."

"Hmm."

Luo Changsheng gave a slight nod and said no more. They reached the East Gate shortly thereafter.

Leaping onto the city gate, sure enough, besides his own Distant Mountain Sword Sect, the leaders of the other sects from the Seven Great Sects had already arrived.

Xia Xuanran, the vice leader of the Ask Elegant Pavilion, stood with a smile, holding a folding fan.

Wei Chi Meng of the True Martial Hall, with furrowed brows and fiery eyes.

Xuan Yuan Xiaoshan, a veiled woman from the Heaven Heart Sect, her gaze toward the outskirts of Tianqu City held a hint of curiosity.

And from Jingchan Temple, there was a young monk.

He appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen, roughly the same height as Xuan Yuan Xiaoshan, maybe even a bit shorter.

Holding a staff that reached up to his eyebrows, he stood off to the side, towering over everyone else by a good head.

At this moment, dressed solemnly, he stared seriously outside the city. When no one was paying attention, he couldn't help but secretly scratch his nose... It seemed that the fresh scent from Xuanyuan Xiaoshan was something he wasn't quite used to.

As for the representative from Cold Moon Palace, it was naturally the Second Palace Master.

Her expression was icy and fierce, radiating a palpable air of menace, with a hint of restless aggression.

Lastly, there was the representative from the Purple Sun Sect.

This person was the current Deputy Sect Master of the Purple Sun Sect, Zhuo Dongming.

At sixty-four years old, Zhuo Dongming appeared to be a slight, wiry old man.

With a face full of smiles, he seemed very amiable.

However, no matter how Luo Changsheng looked at him, he felt that the smile carried a provoking air.

Especially today, this old man had that same smile as he told him that over a thousand people had gotten lost on the way to Tianqu City...

That flimsy excuse was something he actually had the nerve to say.

This immediately made Luo Changsheng feel that Zhuo Dongming's title "Jiyue Qiankun" was a huge scam.

And just as Luo Changsheng was thinking this, Zhuo Dongming's gaze fell on him, and he smiled:

"Young Luo is here."

Luo Changsheng didn't want to pay him any attention but still put on a smile:

"Senior Zhuo."

Then, clasping his hands together, he greeted the others:

"Greetings to all."

"Oh, we wouldn't dream of it."

Xia Xuanran smiled and casually fanned his folding fan:

"Head Luo has finally arrived. Today's Tianqu Sword Debate is quite the show, even stirring the Demon Sect into action.

"We've been waiting for Head Luo to arrive and settle things."

Luo Changsheng secretly cursed in his heart.

Although the Seven Great Sects always stood united against the Demon Sect, there were always minor internal rivalries.

Despite its name implying freedom, the Free Pavilion thrived on stirring up these internal conflicts.

Especially Xia Xuanran, who, despite being a scholar, was known for his sharp tongue, backhanded compliments, and sarcastic remarks.

Compared to Xia Xuanran, Zhuo Dongming seemed almost tolerable.

The Second Palace Master from Cold Moon Palace had a fiery temper but was straightforward and easy to deal with.

The Eight-Armed Dragon from the True Martial Hall, Zhenwu Hall, may have seemed like a brute, but he was actually quite clever.

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan and the young monk from Jing Chan Temple, Xuan Zhen, were relatively more naive.

Xuanyuan Xiaoshan is the Holy Maiden of the Tianxin Sect and a candidate for the next sect leader.

She came to Tianqu City for some practical experience, and the Tianqu Sword Discussion was a happy coincidence during her stay.

As for Xuan Zhen... the origins of this young monk have not been clearly explained by Jingzhe Temple.

However, despite his young age, he is of the Xuan generation, and thus cannot be regarded lightly.

His thoughts raced but soon calmed down.

Luo Changsheng smiled slightly:

"Even though the Distant Mountain Sword Sect runs things in Tianqu City right now, it's only handling trivial and miscellaneous affairs.

"Even if the cult members of the Magic Sect were to lead an attack, needless to say, I, Luo Changsheng,

"would not dare to make a unilateral decision on this matter.

"Nor would the Distant Mountain Sword Sect dare to do so.

"You're giving me too much credit, Brother Xia," Luo added.

Xia Xuanran smiled and snapped his fan shut, not saying anything further.

Luo Changsheng then casually asked, "What's the situation now? You all arrived earlier than I did, any new discoveries?"

"Things aren't looking too promising," Zhuo Dongming stroked his goatee, glancing out at Tianqu City:

"Although the people from the Extreme Joy Palace haven't arrived, there are quite a few from the Youquan Cult and Evernight Valley.

"However, among them, it's mainly the people from Evernight Valley...

"After all, Yuanhan Valley is already in our hands, and even if members of the Youquan Cult can pass through Yuanhan Valley and Qingxiu Mountain to reach Tianqu City,

"they won't manage to send many of their forces."

Luo Changsheng nodded, but his brows furrowed deeply.

Ever since the Youquan Cult's defeat in the southwest, and the capture of Qingxiu Mountain and Yuanhan Valley by the eastern factions of East City,

the Seven Great Sects have stationed skilled fighters in these two areas.

However, after that, the Youquan Cult retreated to the Demon Forest to regroup and recover, making no attempt to retake these locations.

Even when Lord Night led an attack on Tianqu City earlier, the righteous experts stationed at Qingxiu Mountain and Yuanhan Valley went to intercept the retreat route of Evernight Valley.

This left the defenses at Yuanhan Valley and Qingxiu Mountain somewhat vulnerable.

The final decision was to gather the remaining defenders at Yuanhan Valley to counter any potential feints.

As a result... the Youquan Cult still didn't make a move.

This left the eastern factions on high alert for nothing.

After this incident, the eastern factions of East City began to feel slightly relieved about Qingxiu Mountain and Yuanhan Valley.

They began debating whether to seize the Demon Forest.

But when it comes to this issue, the Seven Great Sects are divided.

It's not that they were worried about provoking the Three Great Demon Sects.

The locations of the Three Great Demon Sects differ, with different terrains, directions, and paths, each having its own obstacles.

This also means that after seizing Qingxiu Mountain and Yuhangu Valley, the Youquan Cult couldn't get reinforcements from Evernight Valley and the Blissful Heavenly Palace.

If they could really take down the Ghostly Forest, with the advantage of the terrain, they would only need to deal with the Youquan Cult.

However, several attempts to attack were blocked by the Three Flags Order within the Ghostly Forest.

And once they entered the Ghostly Forest, every step was treacherous.

The Youquan Cult had been operating in the Ghostly Forest for many years.

Inside, it was fraught with danger at every step.

After several attempts, many from the seven major sects started to back out.

Every time they charged in, it cost human lives.

This burden was extremely hard to bear.

In the end, they had no choice but to temporarily hold Yuhangu Valley and gaze towards the Ghostly Forest, waiting for the right moment to decide whether to make a move.

At this critical juncture, the Youquan Cult experts, who had been hiding behind the Ghostly Forest, actually managed to pass through Yuhangu Valley and Qingxiu Mountain.

And reached Tianqu City...

This gave Luo Changsheng a bad premonition.

At that moment, Luo Changsheng, who was looking out of the city, suddenly changed his expression:

"Sect Leader Youquan!?"

Luo Changsheng wasn’t joking around like Duan Song; this was serious business.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone indeed spotted a distant white jade carriage approaching.

In just a moment, it had already arrived at the gates of Tianqu City.

Black veils surrounded the carriage, and inside sat a person with an unclear face, dressed in a blood-red robe, cross-legged.

Luo Changsheng and the others immediately felt as if a great enemy had arrived.

Even Xia Xuanran couldn't spare any cheap remarks, his brows furrowed, extremely solemn.

At that moment, the Sect Leader Youquan suddenly spoke, saying something even more shocking:

"Hmm? We're here already? Where is the Night Lord?"

The Night Lord is coming too!?

Everyone present couldn't help but gasp in shock.

This is just the Tianqu Sword Discussion, why would it come to this?

Whether it's the Night Lord or Sect Leader Youquan, two such powerful figures, why would they be drawn to the Tianqu Sword Discussion?

Especially now, with Evernight Valley's disciples gathering in increasing numbers, a dark mass of people can be seen outside Tianqu City.

This was a scene they had hardly anticipated before.

And just at this moment, a laughter reached Luo Changsheng's ears.

The laughter grew louder, eventually causing Sect Leader Youquan to look up and observe:

"I wondered who was giggling like a fool on the city wall. So it's you, Zhuo Dongming of Ji Yue Qian Kun."

"The Purple Sun Sect has been hiding in Shouyang Mountain for many years. Could it be they've developed some issues?"

"What’s so funny?"

Zhuo Dongming laughed heartily: "I laugh because I've encountered something joyful."

"Oh?"

Sect Leader Youquan looked up, his face entirely concealed by a mask adorned with black sand.

His voice came through the mask: "Today, Evernight Valley has mobilized fully, and I am here in person. If the Night Monarch arrives, I doubt you'll still be laughing."

"Does this mean, Sect Leader, that you're going to attack our Tianqu City?"

Zhuo Dongming's mouth curled into a smile, his eyes narrowing slightly: "Are you really daring enough?"

Upon these words, members of the seven major sects couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for Zhuo Dongming.

Sect Leader Youquan had been wreaking havoc across the Eastern Wilderness for years, his Youquan Scripture nearly invincible. When had anyone ever dared to speak to him like this?

Indeed, Sect Leader Youquan fell silent instantly.

After a moment, he pointed a finger: "You will die!"

"You don't dare."

Zhuo Dongming shook his head slightly: "Even if it's the Night Monarch, he wouldn’t dare!"

"Oh?"

Sect Leader Youquan gave a cold laugh: "Why shouldn’t I dare? If you can’t justify yourself today, I’ll claim your martial spirit and blood essence."

"What's so hard about that?"

Zhuo Dongming smiled slightly:

"You’ve brought a formidable force, seemingly overwhelming and hard to deal with.

"But if you plan to attack Tianqu City, you’ve picked the worst possible time!

"In fact, over the past few decades, today marks the peak of righteous martial power in Tianqu City.

"With the Tianqu Sword Debate about to begin, all martial artists from East City are gathered here.

"If any of you dares to act, even if we just relieve ourselves, we could flood you all out."

"That's right!"

Luo Changsheng immediately nodded, turning to look at the massive city of Tianqu City, which was now packed to the gills with people.

With a faint smile, "Although I don't know why you've all come, if you intend to start a fight recklessly, you've picked the wrong day."

Though the situation inside Tianqu City was tense and could easily spiral into disaster, those with ill intent were few. Most were simply here to witness the Tianqu sword event.

If the Youquan Cult and Evernight Valley attacked now, it would only rally everyone here against those evil cult members. Especially with someone coordinating and leading from the middle.

The result might not let these cult experts get away unharmed.

Considering this, their timing might not be so bad after all.

"Ha ha ha ha!!"

At that moment, Sect Leader Youquan burst out laughing:

"You truly are Zhuo Dongming, sly and seasoned."

These words made everyone breathe easier.

Clearly, Zhuo Dongming was spot-on. Though the situation in Tianqu City was dire, both the Youquan Cult and Evernight Valley couldn't overlook the martial experts here.

"I don’t deserve such praise, really."

Zhuo Dongming gave a gentle wave of his hand. "If that's the case, why doesn't the Sect Leader clarify the purpose of your visit?"

"No other reason… just here to observe the swordsmanship."

Sect Leader Youquan replied in a calm tone. "It is said that the swordsman competing today is Liu Suifeng from Jade Willow Villa in the southwest region. This man slew the leader of my Blood Sea Division, someone with whom I had significant connections.

"Since I am now in East City, it would be remiss of me not to play the part of a gracious host."

Luo Changsheng's expression shifted subtly.

"Why not?"

Sect Leader Youquan looked up, taking in the leaders of the seven major sects one by one.

His words carried a subtle edge of mockery.

Suddenly, a somewhat youthful voice asked:

"Do you dare?"

"..."

Sect Leader Youquan couldn't suppress the surge of killing intent.

His gaze sharpened, filled with confusion. "Who is speaking?"

The walls of Tianqu City were tall, and the speaker turned out to be the novice monk Xuan Zhen from Jingchan Temple.

Being shorter in stature, he could see Sect Leader Youquan below from the top of the city wall.

However, when Sect Leader Youquan looked up, he couldn't see him.

All he could see was the upper half of a staff sticking out above the wall.

Upon hearing this, Xuan Zhen simply stood on the city wall and asked again:

"Do you dare?"

..."

After a long silence, Sect Leader Youquan finally sighed:

"The eastern factions of East City have had a tough time too. Over the years, our Holy Sect has slain countless people. Now, even children who haven't fully mastered martial arts are being dragged out to serve as heads...

"It's truly tragic and pitiful."

When he said this, the young monk Xuan Zhen pointed and said:

"Cut the crap, monk here is asking you, do you dare?"

..."

Sect Leader Youquan was momentarily speechless, but then a torrent of blood surged from behind him, accompanied by wailing sounds that filled the sky.

Seeing this, Xuan Zhen nodded firmly:

"Then come in."

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on the staff.

It was clear that if Sect Leader Youquan dared to jump up, Xuan Zhen was ready to hit him with the staff.

"Xuan Zhen, stop."

Zhuo Dongming sighed, "If Sect Leader Youquan wants to come in and watch the Sword Debate, just let him."

"Hmph, if I didn’t act on my own, could you stop me?"

As he spoke, he rose to his full height, surrounded by a torrent of blood. In a flash, he had already leaped onto the city wall.

His figure paused briefly, his blood-red robe billowing as he swept past the leaders of the eastern factions.

"Chase him!"

The people present didn't dare to delay.

They immediately leapt up and followed behind Sect Leader Youquan.

Several experts used their movement techniques, and within moments, they had reached the Cloud Cleansing Platform.

On the high platform, Wan Zangxin was already standing with his sword at the ready.

On one side of the platform stood several others.

In the center was a man dressed in a black robe, and even under the broad daylight, he gave off a shadowy presence.

Seeing this man, Sect Leader Youquan couldn't help but laugh loudly: "I was wondering why you weren't outside the city? Turns out you got here first!"