"This time, there's no need to trouble Elder Jiang, Elder Shen, or Xu Ning. Our Broad Relations Hall can settle this matter."
Yang Jueding spoke first, drawing everyone's gaze to him.
Although the Broad Relations Hall did not have any particularly famous geniuses, it was still a hall of Qingxiao Sect—a place True Disciples competed fiercely to enter. Its foundation was already solid, and he was confident it could resolve the sect's troubles.
Xue Jin spoke up next. "Disciples of the Training Hall are outside year-round and are more familiar with worldly affairs. Leaving it to us would be more prudent."
"The Sword Sect can handle it as well," Han Lang followed.
Li Sijin and Zhu Yan also spoke in turn.
Yan Daozong was seeing such a scene for the first time. When the sect faced trouble, those in authority did not even ask who the enemy was—they directly competed to take on the task.
When Tianxuan Mountain encountered problems, they would only push responsibility onto one another, discuss plans back and forth, and deliberate several times before finally deciding.
Of course, Qingxiao Sect was indeed far stronger than Tianxuan Mountain—this was an undeniable fact. Still, what Yan Daozong admired most was the disciples' eagerness to contribute to the sect.
No one was born this way. It was because Li Qingqiu, as Sect Master, treated the disciples well and gave them hope that they were so proactive.
If all the credit were monopolized by those in power, how could the people below ever be motivated?
Jiang Zhaoxia, for once, did not speak, because he was busy trying to surpass Xu Ning in cultivation.
He had discovered a fact: when talent was similar and opportunities were set aside, 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.
One step slow meant every step after would be slow.
Li Qingqiu felt very satisfied inwardly, though his face remained expressionless.
Yuan Qi and Chu Jing stood behind him, each filled with excitement. Yuan Qi had previously only relayed messages; now that he could participate in Lingxiao Courtyard deliberations, he was naturally thrilled.
As for Chu Jing, he felt as though he had finally found the feeling of being alive again.
Zhang Yuchun gave a light cough and said, "Everyone, let's hear the situation first before discussing who should go deal with it."
The crowd quieted, their gazes turning toward him.
Zhang Yuchun continued, "Previously, the Three Sects of Lichao attempted to attack Qingxiao Sect—you should all remember that. Later, we carried out a reckoning against them. Liyin Sect and Taiwu Sect were destroyed, but Sword Extremity Sect escaped and vanished without a trace."
Upon hearing the words "Sword Extremity Sect," Shen Yue's expression changed slightly.
He had a history with Sword Extremity Sect. He had once been a disciple there. Although he had later severed ties, that past was not something he could regard as nonexistent.
The others' expressions eased instead. If it was Sword Extremity Sect, they were not afraid.
What they truly feared were hidden forces like the Qi Clan—those that secretly raised demons.
In their eyes, the threats capable of endangering Qingxiao Sect were no longer worldly powers, but demons, monsters, and ghosts.
"Recently, Sword Extremity Sect has reestablished itself in Cangzhou. At the same time, the Northern Barbarians are attacking Cangzhou. One of our sect's disciples was training there and gathered intelligence. Sword Extremity Sect has close ties with the Northern Barbarians. They intend to help the Northern Barbarians usurp the realm. He also heard Sword Extremity Sect disciples mention a Northern Barbarian sect called the Xuanji Sect. Reportedly, this Northern Barbarian sect is also preparing to head south."
Zhang Yuchun laid out the intelligence. When the words "Xuanji Sect" were spoken, 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 the two of them and asked, "You've heard of the Xuanji Sect?"
Shen Yue replied, "The Xuanji Sect has a long history. The founding ancestor of Sword Extremity Sect came from the Xuanji Sect. No one knows where the Xuanji Sect is located. There are many legends about it—some say the Xuanji Sect has immortals; others say there are people within it who entered the Dao through martial arts. I once went to the Northern Barbarians. Though I didn't venture deep, the tribal people there all worship statues of the Xuanji Sect. Its influence over the Northern Barbarians is obvious."
Yan Daozong followed, "Tianxuan Mountain also has records of the Xuanji Sect. Eight hundred years ago, the Xuanji Sect headed south. Tianxuan Mountain and Fengxia Mountain joined forces with the Jiuzhou martial world to resist it. Although they ultimately repelled the Xuanji Sect, the Jiuzhou martial world suffered heavy casualties, and Tianxuan Mountain entered a decades-long period of decline. At that time, kings of several dynasties were captured by the Xuanji Sect—neither alive nor dead were they ever seen again."
"Before my master passed away, he also mentioned the Xuanji Sect. He said this ancient, legendary sect had foundations deeper than dynasties themselves, was extremely ambitious, and that one day they would head south again and devour the lands of Jiuzhou."
Hearing their words, everyone's expressions grew solemn.
To severely wound the entire Jiuzhou martial world 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 a cultivation sect like ours?"
Shen Yue shook his head. "If they were as powerful as we are, the world would have been overturned long ago. Of course, several hundred years have passed—if they are heading south again, it's very possible they are stronger than before."
Yan Daozong agreed. "We truly cannot be careless with the Xuanji Sect. The Northern Barbarian lands are vast and desolate. For a sect to exist there for over a thousand years is no simple feat."
The crowd fell into silence, pondering the threat posed by the Xuanji Sect.
Li Qingqiu swept his gaze around and said, "Sword Extremity Sect must be destroyed, and the Xuanji Sect must be guarded against. The Xuanji Sect was once able to contend with the entire Jiuzhou martial world—its strength is certainly formidable. Even if there are no cultivators among them, it's highly likely they hide Dao-entry experts like Yan Daozong. This matter cannot be taken lightly. No matter who goes, they must exercise extreme caution."
"Now, tell me—who is willing to shoulder this task?"
Although the threat posed by the Xuanji Sect was still an unknown, Qingxiao Sect had already grown strong. Without a clear understanding of the Xuanji Sect, it was impossible for Qingxiao Sect to devote all its strength to dealing with them.
Developing itself was the most important task for Qingxiao Sect.
Xue Jin was the first to speak. "The Training Hall is willing to take on this matter. It would be a good opportunity to scout the northern regions 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 he could trust.
"This isn't something you need to personally lead," Li Qingqiu said seriously. "You should give the disciples a chance to temper themselves."
Xue Jin opened his mouth, but in the end still agreed.
Li Qingqiu looked at the others and said, "Not just Xue Jin—this applies to all halls. You must cultivate people capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities. If a matter proves difficult to resolve, then you can step in yourselves. Qingxiao Sect commands over ten thousand disciples. This is also an opportunity for the disciples to rise. In the future, there will be branch halls at every level, and we will need talent."
The hall masters all nodded, indicating they had taken it to heart.
Li Qingqiu arranged things this way not only to unearth talent, but also to give those present more time to cultivate.
As more and more geniuses emerged within the sect, once they matured, they would inevitably impact the upper ranks. One day, the positions of hall masters would change. 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 slight them. Other positions of authority would be established then, though the power would not be as great as it was now.
"Next, let's discuss the matter of branch halls. Each hall must prepare at least three complete branch-hall lineups and submit them to the Lingxiao Courtyard. I will personally approve them. Each lineup must include 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 expand.
Yan Daozong was secretly alarmed. Qingxiao Sect was growing even faster than he had imagined.
Next, Li Qingqiu had them discuss where the branch halls would be established.
This Lingxiao Courtyard meeting lasted a full hour.
Yan Daozong did not find it dull. On the contrary, he found it quite interesting and gained a deeper understanding of Qingxiao Sect.
He followed the upper echelons of Qingxiao Sect out of the Lingxiao Courtyard. Just as he stepped down the stairs, he saw Jiang Zhaoxia ahead turning 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 anticipation, ready to watch the show.
Wu Man'er stepped forward and said, "Third Senior Brother, don't bully him!"
His expression was serious, causing Jiang Zhaoxia to frown slightly.
Yan Daozong followed up. "When?"
Jiang Zhaoxia shook his head and said, "Forget it. You don't cultivate immortality—you can't be my opponent."
With that, he glared at Wu Man'er and turned to leave.
His words, however, made Yan Daozong frown.
The others also departed one after another, not intervening in their matter.
"Don't take it to heart. He's just like that—there's no malice in him," Shen Yue said with a light laugh as he patted Yan Daozong on the shoulder.
He himself had often been irritated by Jiang Zhaoxia in the past. Later, after realizing Jiang Zhaoxia treated everyone the same way, he had let it go.
Yan Daozong nodded, but inwardly he made a decision—he would definitely find a chance to fight Jiang Zhaoxia.
Elsewhere.
When only Li Qingqiu and Chu Jing remained in the courtyard, Li Qingqiu instructed him, "Notify the Shadow Hall. Have them dispatch five people to investigate the Xuanji Sect."
Chu Jing had previously witnessed Li Qingqiu establish the Shadow Hall, so Li Qingqiu had him relay the message, sparing himself from having to go personally every time.
After Chu Jing left, Li Qingqiu sat in his chair, thinking alone.
The Xuanji Sect came from the distant Northern Barbarians. He could not help but think carefully, yet reason told him that no matter how strong the Xuanji Sect was, it could not be overwhelmingly so—otherwise, the lands of Jiuzhou would have long been carved up by the Northern Barbarians.
Moreover, Cangzhou was far from the Taikun Mountain Range. Even if something unexpected occurred, Qingxiao Sect would still have time to respond.
"One more year. I hope Zhen'er's fate tribulation has nothing to do with the Xuanji Sect."
Li Qingqiu thought silently.
This year, Zhao Zhen would turn fifteen. Endure one more year, and he would cross the destined calamity in his life.
Li Qingqiu regarded this matter as extremely important. It was not only because of the deep bond between master and disciple—he also wanted to see whether he could help Zhao Zhen overcome the tribulation. That way, if he encountered similar fates in the future, he would have some confidence in assisting his disciples.
News that branch halls were about to be established quickly spread throughout the sect. Many disciples immediately began taking action. Every hall became lively, to the point that the hall masters started to feel headaches.
By evening.
Yun Cai entered her own courtyard, where seven female disciples were gathered in discussion about branch hall masters. When they saw her return, they immediately waved her over.
Before long, Yun Cai learned what they were thinking and immediately vetoed it. "What branch hall? I won't leave Qingxiao Mountain—unless the Sect Master arranges for me to go out on a mission."
One of the female disciples couldn't help but ask, "Don't you have any thoughts about your own position at all? No plans for the future?"
Yun Cai looked at her, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly before quickly pressing the smile back down.