While Su Han was in closed-door cultivation, Saint You Heng was not idle. He had already ordered the Myriad Treasures Pavilion branches in each region to keep a close watch on the Demon Slayer Sect’s strongholds, ensuring they couldn’t slip away.

As he made arrangements, he also waited for the Head Director’s command. Without that order, he dared not act rashly. He believed the Head Director would agree, as this concerned the very honor of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. If the pavilion swallowed this insult, other powers would look down on them, which would negatively affect future business and prove extremely disadvantageous.

The awaited message had arrived. Inside the grand hall, Saint You Heng’s eyes lit up. He reached out, produced a Saintly Decree, and it instantly began to glow as a beam of light coalesced from it.

Within the light was a middle-aged man with a square face. Although the man looked to be in his thirties or forties, his true age was certainly far greater. Dressed in a brocade robe, he had thick eyebrows and large eyes. He possessed the commanding presence of a noble or general long accustomed to power, exuding an invisible pressure.

This was Lu Weixiong, Saint You Heng’s immediate superior. Although his strength was comparable to Saint You Heng’s, his business acumen was far superior.

"Director You Heng, the elders have reviewed and approved your request. They have agreed to this war of vengeance."

Lu Weixiong’s voice was like rolling thunder, sonorous and powerful. The news he brought made a look of joy spread across Saint You Heng’s face.

However, Lu Weixiong wasn’t finished. His next words shocked Saint You Heng.

"However, the plans have changed. This war of vengeance will not be limited to the five Daozhou you oversee, but will encompass the ten Daozhou under my command. This time, we will eradicate all of the Demon Slayer Sect’s strongholds within those ten Daozhou. Whether they are Supremes or Saints—kill them all!"

Lu Weixiong’s murderous words left Saint You Heng astonished; he suspected he had misheard. Five Daozhou and ten Daozhou were completely different concepts. He had been confident about the eradication campaign, not just because of their strength, but because he held the moral high ground. Even if all their strongholds were wiped out, the Demon Slayer Sect would have no choice but to swallow the insult.

But with Lu Weixiong’s involvement, the nature of this battle became entirely different. It was no longer just about revenge; it was the spark that could ignite a war.

Yes, war. Saint You Heng could already smell the unusual scent of gunpowder in the air.

"The elders want to start a war?" Saint You Heng didn’t hold back and directly voiced his suspicion. He had to understand the intentions of his superiors; one wrong step could lead to irretrievable disaster.

Lu Weixiong nodded, confirming Saint You Heng’s guess.

"We have had numerous conflicts with the Demon Slayer Sect for a long time, but both sides have maintained a tacit understanding and avoided open conflict. This time, we won’t just strike; we will strike hard enough to make them feel true pain. You and I are merely the vanguard; the follow-up plans are already being drafted."

"Also, I can reveal some inside information. Because of Su Han, other factions besides the Demon Slayer Sect are getting restless. Our strike against the Demon Slayer Sect this time is also meant as a deterrent."

This is going to be huge! Saint You Heng keenly sensed the aura of an impending war. Clearly, this battle was no longer limited to the five Daozhou he oversaw; it had the momentum to sweep across the entire Eastern Region.

But is it really worth launching a full-scale war over a single person? I don’t deny Su Han’s innate talent and strength, but no matter how gifted he is, he’s still just a junior at the Heavenly King Realm. If the Myriad Treasures Pavilion wages war with the Demon Slayer Sect, it will involve not just dozens of Saints, but potentially two Great Emperors. The sheer scale of such a conflict is so massive it makes even me panic.

"Don’t overthink it. Su Han is just the spark that lit the fuse," Lu Weixiong said, reassuringly. "As for the specifics, you need not worry. The Head Pavilion Master and the Elder Council have it under control. We just need to do our jobs."

"Right, that Su Han—you must protect him. Under no circumstances can you let anything happen to him. As long as he’s alive, we have a pretext to move against the Demon Slayer Sect. This time, we hold the moral high ground, which gives us leverage to wrangle with the other factions."

Lu Weixiong stressed the importance of protecting Su Han before discussing a few more details with Saint You Heng. They finally agreed to take action in three days.

Once their conversation ended, Lu Weixiong’s luminous figure dispersed. Saint You Heng retracted the Saintly Decree, his gaze profound.

Thinking too much is useless. I should just do what I have to do. The rest can be left to the Head Pavilion Master and the Elder Council to decide.

Saint You Heng’s strength and status were insufficient to grant him access to the core intelligence, so he could only suppress his anxieties.

Soon after, he summoned Master Gong Ming.

"Gong Ming, I will personally lead the attack this time. You will remain here to guard Cang City in my stead. If anything happens, contact me with a Sound Transmission Talisman!"

Since Saint You Heng was taking action, he naturally needed someone reliable to watch over their base. If the Demon Slayer Sect launched a surprise attack, it would be a monumental disgrace. Although Master Gong Ming was only at the Saint Realm First Layer, the City Protection Formation was in place. Even experts at the Sixth or Seventh Layer of the Saint Realm could not forcibly break through.

"Rest assured, I will guard Cang City well. I won’t give the Demon Slayer Sect any opening to exploit!"

Master Gong Ming was brimming with confidence. After receiving Su Han’s guidance, his Formation Mastery had improved significantly. He now had complete control over the City Protection Formation and had even set up several auxiliary great formations to support it. Unless a Great Emperor personally appeared, Master Gong Ming was confident he could hold Cang City against any assault.

Saint You Heng trusted Master Gong Ming completely. He nodded and officially handed over authority to him.

With that settled, Saint You Heng focused entirely on preparing for battle. This was to be a full-scale offensive, not just a siege of one stronghold after another. It involved many factions and individuals, so he had to give it his full attention.

「Three days later, all preparations were complete.」

"Has Su Han not come out of seclusion yet?" Saint You Heng’s brows furrowed slightly as he and Master Gong Ming arrived at Su Han’s residence.

Since he had promised to let Su Han participate in the battle, he naturally wouldn’t leave him behind. However, if Su Han didn’t emerge in time, he would have no choice but to go back on his word. After all, this battle was of the utmost importance. The plans were set, and the operation involved numerous parties; they couldn’t delay everything just for Su Han.

Saint You Heng waited a little longer, but the sun was already high in the sky. Time was running out, and he decided he couldn’t wait any longer.

"Cang City is in your hands!"

Saint You Heng refrained from using his Divine Sense to probe the room, fearing he might disturb Su Han’s cultivation. He gave Master Gong Ming one last instruction and was about to turn and leave.

BOOM!

Just then, the firmly closed door burst open. A dazzling golden glow surged out, bathing the entire room and making it resemble a palace of gold.

A figure shrouded in golden light stepped out, as awe-inspiring as a young deity.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting!"