Within a secluded mountain hollow, the atmosphere was heavy and solemn. Ten disciples from Qingxu Temple, plus five surviving disciples from Vajra Sect—fifteen in total—had temporarily escaped the pursuit of the demonic cultivators, gaining precious breathing room.
After taking the healing pills provided by Qingxu Temple and having the residual demonic energy within their bodies expelled by Xiao Qi's Purification Power, the injuries of the Vajra Sect disciples had stabilized. Although their combat strength had not fully recovered, at least their foundations were preserved, and some color had returned to their faces. The burly disciple at their head, named Shi Meng, was one of the leaders of Vajra Sect's expedition into the secret realm. He was straightforward and sincere by nature.
"Fellow Daoist Shi Meng, right now within the secret realm, the demonic cultivators run rampant, besieging our righteous disciples everywhere. The situation is extremely perilous." Senior Brother's expression was grave as he spoke candidly. "If we continue to fight separately, we will likely be picked off one by one. I wonder what plans the fellow disciples of Vajra Sect have for our next course of action?"
Hearing this, Shi Meng widened his bell-like eyes and spoke in a muffled voice, "What plans could there be? Those damned demon bastards killed our comrades! This enmity is irreconcilable! We disciples of Vajra Sect are no cowards who fear death! Only…" He paused, a trace of helplessness and indignation appearing on his face. "Only they have greater numbers and are cunning and vicious. With just the few of us left, I'm afraid it will be difficult to avenge our fallen brethren. Instead, we might just throw our lives away."
His gaze swept over the Qingxu Temple group, lingering for a moment on Xiao Qi, and he cupped his fists. "Fellow Daoist (Senior Brother's Daoist title), and this Junior Brother Tang, thank you for your righteous intervention earlier! If not for you, we would have long since met Buddha. I, Shi Meng, am a coarse man, but I know to repay kindness! If Qingxu Temple does not look down on us, our Vajra Sect is willing to advance and retreat together with you, joining forces to fight those demon bastards!"
Shi Meng's declaration was exactly what Senior Brother had anticipated. He nodded solemnly. "Fellow Daoist Shi Meng, you speak too seriously. Sharing the same breath and branches, this is only right. However, relying solely on the strength of our two sects likely still won't be enough."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, raising his voice a notch. "What I mean is, we should take the initiative to reach out and contact all righteous fellow disciples surviving in the secret realm, regardless of sect or school, and form a temporary anti-demon alliance! Only by pooling our strength together will we have the capital to contend with the demonic cultivators, avenge our fallen comrades, and protect the secret realm opportunities that rightfully belong to us!"
"Form an alliance?"
"Unite all righteous disciples?"
As soon as these words were spoken, not only the Vajra Sect disciples but even some Qingxu Temple disciples showed thoughtful expressions. There were inevitably some rivalries and friction between different sects normally. Putting aside prejudices and cooperating sincerely in a short time was not easy.
Third Senior Sister, seeing this, immediately stepped forward and declared loudly, "I think Senior Brother is right! What kind of time is this now? The demonic cultivators are already shitting on our necks! Why care about sect differences anymore? If we don't unite, everyone will be finished! Think about those comrades who were killed by the demonic cultivators!"
Her words were crude yet direct, like a heavy hammer striking everyone's hearts. Remembering the tragedies they had witnessed along the way and the siege they had just personally experienced, the hesitation in everyone's eyes gradually gave way to resolve.
"Fellow Daoist is right! Our Vajra Sect agrees to form an alliance!" Shi Meng was the first to voice his stance, thumping his chest vigorously.
"We have no objections either!"
"Right! Unite and fight those demon bastards!"
The Qingxu Temple disciples chimed in their agreement one after another.
"Good!" Seeing everyone unified in opinion, Senior Brother's spirits rose. "Since that's the case, we shall use this place as a temporary stronghold. Next, we'll split into two groups. One group, led by me, will continue to explore toward the core region, contacting and gathering righteous disciples we encounter along the way, and informing them of the alliance. The other group, led by Fellow Daoist Shi Meng, will stay behind here, setting up defenses using the terrain, receiving fellow disciples who come to join us, and treating the wounded."
The division of labor was clear, and no one had objections.
At this point, Shi Meng looked at Xiao Qi, his tone full of admiration. "Fellow Daoist, Junior Brother Tang's ability to dispel demonic energy is simply miraculous! It is absolutely crucial for us in fighting the demonic cultivators. I propose that within the alliance, Junior Brother Tang should be responsible for treating the wounded and purifying demonic energy. His opinions should also be taken seriously."
He spoke these words sincerely. In battles against demonic cultivators, the most troublesome aspect was the insidious, foundation-eroding demonic energy. Xiao Qi's ability was like a protective talisman for all alliance disciples; its strategic value was arguably no less than that of a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator.
Everyone's gaze immediately focused on Xiao Qi.
Xiao Qi felt a stir in his heart, knowing that this was Shi Meng returning kindness for kindness, and also an acknowledgment of his abilities. He stepped forward, cupped his hands toward everyone, and said calmly, "Senior Brother Shi Meng flatters me. I merely obtained a technique that happens to have some restraining effect on demonic energy by coincidence. Treating fellow disciples is a duty I cannot shirk. As for alliance affairs, I am still inexperienced in the ways of the world. I will follow the arrangements of Senior Brother and all senior brothers and sisters."
His words were neither arrogant nor humble. They clarified the "origin" of his ability (obtained from a fortuitous encounter, concealing the core of the jade pendant) while expressing a stance of compliance with the greater situation, winning everyone's goodwill.
Senior Brother nodded and took the opportunity to say, "Junior Brother Xiao Qi's ability is special and of great use to the alliance. From now on, treating the wounded and purifying demonic energy will be your main responsibilities. At the same time, you will also participate in alliance discussions. Your opinions will be seriously considered by all of us."
This essentially gave Xiao Qi a special position and a certain degree of say within the temporary alliance. Though not a leader, his importance was unmistakable.
"Yes, Senior Brother," Xiao Qi responded.
The framework of the alliance was thus preliminarily established in this tiny mountain hollow. Crude as it was, it represented the crucial first step of righteous disciples uniting and cooperating in the face of a common threat.
With the decision made, everyone immediately sprang into action. Senior Brother, along with Third Senior Sister and four other Qingxu Temple disciples, set out once more, their figures soon disappearing into the mountain forests. Shi Meng directed the remaining three Vajra Sect disciples and two Qingxu Temple disciples to begin setting up sentry posts and simple defensive works at the hollow's entrance and high points.
Xiao Qi found a relatively quiet spot, sat down cross-legged, and quietly pondered while regulating his breathing to recover the spiritual energy and mental strength he had expended earlier.
The formation of this temporary alliance was an inevitable choice under crisis. It could not only enhance survival ability but perhaps also be an opportunity to uncover more about the truth behind the demonic cultivators' large-scale actions this time.
He touched the jade pendant at his chest and sensed the blazing Crimson Flame Sword within his storage bag.
The storm had already arrived, and he was no longer alone. He had companions to fight alongside and, within this newly formed alliance, his own place and responsibilities.
The road ahead would surely be more treacherous, but also more worth anticipating.