Volume 11, Chapter 757 – First Slaughter Honghua Sect, Then Annihilate Shuiyu Valley

Everyone turned their heads toward the voice. The speaker was a bearded elder with a slightly plump figure, thick brows, and large eyes. His flushed face and bulging neck, a result of anger, lent him quite an imposing air.

This man’s name was Cao Kun, the current Grand Elder of the Immortal Alliance and the cousin of Cao Hong. Backed by an immortal clan, he naturally lacked reverence for Lu Lin.

“Elder Cao, the power of the Immortal Stele is known throughout the world. As the Alliance Leader, I understand. I also understand your grief over your brother sacrificing his life. However, that demon girl’s strength remains uncertain. To avoid unforeseen dangers, we must proceed with caution.”

Lu Lin persuaded him earnestly before suggesting: “How about this? Let a few elders from other immortal clans or sects accompany you.”

The elders below exchanged whispers. No one voiced support, nor did anyone object. All simply looked at each other.

“The Alliance Leader’s goodwill is noted. But my Cao Clan stands as the foremost immortal family of the cultivation world, and our Immortal Stele is the strongest of them all. We need no one else’s help.”

Cao Kun was already full of rage. Seeing the other elders hesitant only made his anger boil higher.

Of course, this decision wasn’t made on impulse. He had already discussed it with his clan. As the foremost immortal family, if they couldn’t even avenge themselves without relying on others, wouldn’t they be utterly disgraced?

“Elder Cao, don’t forget. Cao Hong was not only of your Cao Clan, but also the Vice Leader of the Immortal Alliance. Now he has sacrificed his life. If the Immortal Alliance merely watches coldly, it will not only invite the ridicule of the cultivation world but also chill the hearts of our own people.”

Lu Lin reminded him sternly before adding: “And you as well. You are not only of the Cao Clan but also an elder of the Alliance. The Alliance’s interests and reputation are tied directly to you. Surely you understand that?”

“…”

For a moment, Cao Kun was at a loss for words. Though anger burned in him, he also knew Lu Lin spoke the truth. As an elder of the Alliance, he couldn’t only consider the Cao Clan.

“And all of you. Do I need to explain further? We serve together in this Alliance. If one prospers, all prosper; if one suffers, all suffer.”

“Alliance Leader, no need to say more. Elder Tang of Qiankun Sect is willing to advance and retreat alongside Elder Cao. However, that little demon girl is not only a disciple of Honghua Sect but also the Holy Maiden of Huarong Sect. She surely carries the protection of Huarong Sect’s Immortal Stele. Our Qiankun Sect’s stele is weaker than theirs. I fear we may not be of much use.”

The elder of Qiankun Sect spoke up. Among the nine great immortal families, their stele ranked near the bottom, even weaker than the Lü Clan’s.

“Speaking of Immortal Steles, that reminds me of something.”

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Lu Lin’s expression grew thoughtful. “I recall that Lü Yi of the Lü Clan once intended to forcibly wed Cheng Hongling, correct? Yet on the wedding day, she never appeared, and their stele’s activation did not harm her in the slightest.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader! It now seems the Huarong Sect’s Immortal Stele must have saved her. That’s why our Lü Clan’s stele accomplished nothing and even fell into slumber!”

An old white-haired elder spoke. This was Lü Liang, a clan uncle of Lü Yi and cousin to Lü Dao.

“No wonder she survived unscathed under the stele’s strike. She relied on the protection of Huarong Sect’s stele.”

The other elders showed sudden understanding.

“But Elder Lü, as I recall, Huarong Sect’s stele is stronger than the Lü Clan’s, yes? Why then did your clan’s stele only fall asleep, rather than being destroyed outright?”

Lu Lin frowned.

“I do not know for certain.”

Elder Lü shook his head. The others looked equally puzzled. Under such circumstances, stele duels did not end until one side was annihilated. If the Lü Clan’s stele was weaker, it should have been drained entirely, not merely fallen asleep.

“I understand now.”

At that moment, Cao Kun explained with sudden clarity: “Recall that my cousin Cao Yang once married Huarong Sect’s previous Holy Maiden. They were unwilling, and so Huarong Sect’s stele was suppressed by our Cao Clan’s stele. Given the force of that suppression, it would be normal for their stele to have dropped in power by one or two tribulations. Thus, when the Lü Clan’s stele clashed with that demon girl, it only fell asleep rather than being destroyed.”

“Indeed! By that reasoning, the Huarong Sect’s stele is either asleep as well or already reduced to useless stone. We need not worry at all.”

Elder Lü said with delight.

“But that little demon girl truly has deep schemes. Looking at it now, everything was her plan. She refused to marry into the Lü Clan, so she secretly became Huarong Sect’s Holy Maiden, all to use their stele against yours.”

Lu Lin’s tone was grave.

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“But does Huarong Sect know her true identity?”

Elder Lü asked in doubt.

“They must. To borrow power from the stele, she could only carve her true name upon it.”

Lu Lin concluded without hesitation.

“Huarong Sect dares greatly indeed. to abandon their stele for a single demon girl. Do they not fear their enemies seizing the chance for revenge?”

Elder Lü was shocked.

“They must have seen her extraordinary talent and decided to take the risk. After all, so long as no one reveals it, who would know the state of Huarong Sect’s stele? To them, it is as if they gained a peerless Holy Maiden for free. In the end, it is still reckless gambling.”

Lu Lin guessed shrewdly.

“Reckless gambling? Hmph! That little demon girl killed one of my Cao Clan. This time, Huarong Sect must pay dearly.”

Cao Kun gritted his teeth.

“Rest assured, Elder Cao. Our Zhizun Peak fully supports the Cao Clan. Our stele may not be as strong as yours, but I hope you won’t look down on us.”

“Jingtian Sect as well. Whatever aid you need, say the word!”

“Our Lü Clan too. Though our stele is asleep, we can still offer manpower.”

The elders of the immortal clans voiced their support, though who could say how many were sincere.

“In that case, my thanks to you all.”

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Cao Kun clasped his fists politely.

“Very good. Since everyone is united, this will be easily handled. Spread my command: First, declare Cheng Hongling of Honghua Sect and Jiang Ling, Holy Maiden of Huarong Sect, as the Immortal Alliance’s most wanted criminals. Second, from this day forth, Honghua Sect, Shuiyu Valley, and Huarong Sect are no longer under the Alliance. Third, all cultivators of these three sects are to be wanted criminals. Fourth, each elder shall return and ready your disciples. Summon all at the Incarnation Realm and above. At the start of next month, we march to the Western Radiance Dynasty. First slaughter Honghua Sect, then annihilate Shuiyu Valley. Afterward, we will trouble Huarong Sect until the little demon girl’s entire faction is eradicated.”

“Yes!”

Hundreds of elders responded in unison.

“Alliance Leader, what about the people of Huangtian County? They ignored our warnings and sided with Honghua Sect. Should we not deal with them as well?”

Cao Kun reminded.

“Though those lowborns are traitorous, they are still mortals. If we slaughter them all, tongues will wag. Instead, let us give them a chance at redemption.”

Lu Lin sneered: “Before the first of next month, they must hand over all infants and children who have consumed Golden Fate Blossoms. Only then will I spare them.”

“Brilliant, Alliance Leader! In this way, their scheming backfires upon them.”

Elder Lü flattered, and the others echoed.

“Hmph. A bunch of lowborn rats. Did they really think feeding their children Golden Fate Blossoms would turn them into phoenixes? Not only will I deny them the Golden Fate Blossoms, I’ll ensure they cannot even keep their children.”

Lu Lin’s expression twisted with cruelty.

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Meanwhile, within the Cao Clan, Cao Meng, who had vowed to avenge his cousin Cao Hong, suddenly wavered. After long hesitation, he summoned his descendants for counsel.

Soon, Cao Yang entered with his parents and his wife Hua Yu.

“I do not know why, but suddenly I feel unwilling to avenge Cao Hong.”

Cao Meng seated the four of them before speaking.

“What? Why?”

His daughter-in-law, Madam Feng, asked in puzzlement.

“I understand Father’s meaning. Though Second Uncle Cao Hong died, he inadvertently uncovered the true identity of Huarong Sect’s Holy Maiden. Drawing her into our Cao Clan would be far more valuable than killing her.”

His son, Cao Hui, explained.

“Indeed, grandson. Have you not long desired to take Huarong Sect’s Holy Maiden as a concubine? Before, we did not know her true identity. Now we do. As long as her name is inscribed on our Immortal Stele, she cannot escape.”

Cao Meng turned to remind his grandson.

Cao Yang’s expression shifted, though he cast a hesitant glance at Hua Yu beside him.

“Granddaughter-in-law, have you not longed for Jiang Ling’s cultivation method? If she enters our Cao Clan as your sister, how could you not obtain it? With your immortal lineage, you will cultivate even faster than she. By then, forget Holy Maiden, you could even be sect leader.”

Cao Meng tempted Hua Yu.

Her eyes shone with excitement. Though clearly tempted, she still hesitated. “But Grandfather, you are the clan head. If you refuse to avenge Grandfather Cao Hong, how will you explain yourself to the clan?”