Chapter 127: The Eve of the Grand Ceremony

Xiao Qingtian’s expression grew increasingly grave. He took a deep breath and said, “We all understand this truth, but given our current strength, opposing the Bloodshed Alliance is like an egg striking a rock. Moreover, we are out in the open, while the Bloodshed Alliance is both powerful and hidden in the shadows—we can scarcely defend against them!”

Liu Junhuai’s tone became fervent as he responded, “So what? Although our strength is lacking, this momentum should be even greater. Only then can we attract powerful forces to join us. It’s not only the Bloodshed Alliance that has cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage; many righteous sects boast high-level elders. How to draw these senior experts into our fold is our urgent task. To evade difficulties is not the way of the just.”

“Furthermore, why does the Bloodshed Alliance hide so deeply? What are they avoiding? If they possess such overwhelming power, why deliberately lurk in the background? It must be because there are forces they fear—cultivators capable of threatening their lives! We cannot let the sect alliance’s efforts go to waste. Now is the perfect time to expand our ranks.”

After a long silence, Ren Yinhai suddenly smiled. Standing up, he patted Liu Junhuai on the shoulder and said, “Sect Master Liu, well said! It’s the young who dare to charge ahead!”

Turning to the others, he added, “Sect Master Liu is right. We must temporarily forget about Liang Qiutuo. Everything should proceed according to plan. I believe that as the sect alliance grows, our strength will increase. This will attract stronger cultivators and sects to join the fight against the Bloodshed Alliance. Every realm has its own survival rules; no super sect seeking domination can succeed, for no one will allow it.”

Xiao Qingtian also showed rare resolve. “Both of you have made good points. No one can cover the sky with one hand. The Western Domain’s Lord Mansion is not ruled by Liang Qiutuo alone—above him stands the Starry Heaven Council. Someone is certainly watching our actions, and most are men of aspiration.”

All present expressed their determination to continue. After all, organizations like the Bloodshed Alliance, once exposed to the light, will be hunted by all.

The vast ocean of cultivators is unfathomable, filled with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Anyone who disregards the order of the cultivation world will be suppressed by countless forces.

The Bloodshed Alliance cannot possibly be invincible; otherwise, they would not hide so deeply.

Liu Junhuai asked Ren Yinhai, “What about Grandmaster Tai Shuyong Ren? How shall we handle him?”

Ren Yinhai replied, “I’ve promised to spare his life, but externally we will announce his death. Tomorrow, I will send someone to escort him away.”

Liu Junhuai nodded. “That’s best. I hope he will find a peaceful life henceforth.”

Xiao Qingtian said, “I mentioned to Alliance Leader Ren the joint grand ceremony with the Wanxiang Sect. Has the date for the establishment of Wanxiang Sect been set? Fix the date as soon as possible! The sooner the better.”

Liu Junhuai glanced at Ren Yinhai, then said, “We’re ready anytime. It depends mainly on the sect alliance.”

Ren Yinhai said, “If not sooner, then five days from now. Both sides will send out invitations immediately. On that day, the Wanxiang Sect will announce its joining of the sect alliance?”

Liu Junhuai nodded. After some discussion, they took their leave and departed the mountain gate.

***

The grand ceremony for founding the sect was complex, especially as it was co-hosted by two parties. In the following days, Liu Junhuai and all members of the Wanxiang Sect were busily engaged.

By the day before the ceremony, sects and independent cultivators coming to offer congratulations gradually arrived.

The sect alliance and related sects moved into Wanxiang Sect’s grounds. Nearly a hundred sects were involved, including almost all the large and small sects of the Fengling Kingdom and nearly ten from neighboring countries.

The Juechen Palace led over forty sects from the Mojuo Kingdom. Alliance leader Ren Yinhai personally accompanied Liu Junhuai outside the mountain gate to welcome them, his smile full of excitement.

Liu Junhuai and Wu Yaohan had already brewed several hundred jars of Sanggan fruit wine in preparation for the evening’s welcome banquet.

Before the banquet began, Liu Junhuai invited the Juechen Palace’s Palace Master Fang and the main leaders of the sect alliance to the VIP room.

After brief introductions, Liu Junhuai said, “Tomorrow is the grand ceremony. Palace Master Fang, how many from the Mojuo Kingdom might join the sect alliance? Do they have any specific suggestions?”

Palace Master Fang rose amidst the eager gazes of the alliance members and said, “All the sects accompanying Juechen Palace to Wanxiang Sect are willing to join the alliance. As for the detailed agreement, I propose that after I gather them, the sect alliance hold detailed negotiations. Resisting the evil forces like the Bloodshed Alliance is the duty of every cultivator. I believe they have no special demands; striving for fairness and justice is sufficient.”

Ren Yinhai smiled. “From its inception, the sect alliance has received strong support from Palace Master Fang. On behalf of all member sects, I express our gratitude and admiration for your righteous spirit! Now that the alliance is steadily moving forward, we urgently need more cultivator groups to actively participate to truly drive the Bloodshed Alliance out of the Western Domain.”

“Yesterday, representatives from the Western Domain Lord Mansion also sent word. The establishment of the sect alliance has attracted their intense attention. It is expected that senior officials from the Lord Mansion will attend tonight’s founding conference. This shows we are on the right path. More righteous cultivators will notice and join our fight against the Bloodshed Alliance!”

Palace Master Fang said happily, “That’s good news. With the Lord Mansion’s direct involvement, the alliance’s influence and appeal will grow stronger. The future looks very promising.”

“There is one important issue regarding the safety of these new members,” Liu Junhuai cautioned, “The sect alliance must thoroughly discuss security with every sect, constantly screen for spies, and prevent leaks that could jeopardize our plans!”

Xiao Qingtian nodded approvingly. Liu Junhuai’s thorough and forward-thinking concern for the alliance was clear and decisive.

Ren Yinhai looked on and said, “Sect Master Liu’s frank words are well justified. The sect alliance operates differently from ordinary sects, with different goals and methods. Secrecy is paramount. The alliance has already implemented detailed precautionary measures. After tomorrow’s founding conference, we will convene to finalize and supplement the rules.”

Liu Junhuai asked, “Who from the Western Domain Lord Mansion will attend?”

Xiao Qingtian replied, “The attendees are of high rank: the first deputy lord, Mu Fanghe, a Nascent Soul stage cultivator; the chief of Intelligence Hall, Chao Yong; and the chief of Punishment Hall, Fang Yexu, both late Consolidating phase cultivators.”

Liu Junhuai’s face remained calm, but inwardly he felt a surge of urgency—these three were the highest-level cultivators he had encountered in the cultivation world so far.

“What will be the relationship between our sect alliance and the Lord Mansion? What kind of support can we expect?” Given the suspicion surrounding Lord Liang Qiutuo, strong backing was Liu Junhuai’s foremost concern.

Ren Yinhai handed Liu Junhuai an official letter from the Lord Mansion and said, “Details have not yet been fully discussed. The representatives who delivered this letter told me the Lord Mansion attaches great importance to the alliance. Authority will be fully delegated, secure communication channels will be established, and in major operations, support can be requested from the Lord Mansion at any time.”

Liu Junhuai examined the letter. It contained few specifics—mostly a congratulatory message and a list of Lord Mansion guests attending the founding.

Palace Master Fang smiled. “This is an opportunity to request material support, even high-level cultivators. The Lord Mansion will likely station personnel permanently within the alliance. After all, this is the first organization in a thousand years in the Western Domain formed to oppose a single force. The Lord Mansion should favor us with benefits because the alliance shares their burden.”

Liu Junhuai nodded in agreement. “Indeed, this is a rare chance. If missed, it will be difficult to ask later.”

Xiao Qingtian chuckled, “Alliance Leader Ren has long planned this. Perhaps he should explain so Sect Master Liu doesn’t worry the alliance’s standing is too thin!”

Ren Yinhai laughed heartily. “No use passing up such a bargain! We plan to request some cultivation resources and demand that Lord Mansion assign personnel at least at the Nascent Spirit stage. To facilitate communication about the Bloodshed Alliance, we will establish a secret channel between the alliance and the Lord Mansion, inviting the Punishment Hall to dispatch experts skilled in missions and secrecy.”

Liu Junhuai nodded with a smile. “Also, we should seek some command authority—so that in major operations we can request assistance from nearby sects. This will give us an advantage in personnel deployment.”

Xiao Qingtian gave Liu Junhuai an approving thumbs-up. “Though young, Sect Master Liu’s cautious thinking is impressive. His involvement will be indispensable for future alliance strategies.”

Ren Yinhai turned to Palace Master Fang and said, “Perhaps you don’t fully understand the alliance’s operation. No individual or faction dominates. Our plan is to establish sect alliances in each country, with the Western Domain Lord Mansion overseeing major operations and coordination. Local operations will be handled by the respective national alliances. Initially, our Fengling Kingdom will take the lead since others are not yet fully operational.”

“Our suggestion is that the Mojuo Kingdom’s alliance be led by Juechen Palace. How you arrange that is up to you. When alliances flourish throughout the Western Domain, the Bloodshed Alliance will be forced out. Such alliances will greatly promote unity among sects. I believe all sects will soon realize this.”

Palace Master Fang spoke solemnly, “The establishment of this alliance is widely regarded within the cultivation world. Many insightful cultivators offer positive evaluations. The greatest credit belongs to the comrades here. It is your righteous fearlessness that made the alliance possible. Rest assured, those sects I’ve contacted rarely join out of self-interest. Their desire is simple: a relatively safe and stable cultivation environment. Any force that undermines this unity will unite most cultivators in opposition.”

Ren Yinhai concluded, “This is exactly what we wish to see and the original intention of the alliance. With more cultivators and sects understanding and supporting us, the alliance will have reason and ability to endure.”