Chapter 1184: Chapter 497: What Nonsense Are You Writing?

The grand ceremony of the Wandao Sect’s Sect Master may have ended, but many people chose to stay behind.

Everyone witnessed what happened that day and clearly understood Lu Jin’an’s purpose in accepting Zhiyu as his apprentice, so they were eager to discuss the impending war.

However, after relinquishing his heavy responsibilities, Grand Sect Master Zheng shut himself away, and the newly appointed Sect Master Lu has not descended from Taichu Peak since the end of the banquet.

With the current strongest and the future strongest of the Human Clan both absent, how can discussions revolve around them?

Hence, the Order Enforcement Hall has seen a flurry of activity in recent days, causing Master Xue Shaohai a great deal of distress.

Because he couldn’t reach either Grand Sect Master Zheng or Sect Master Lu. Though he could contact Vice Sect Master Ji, Vice Sect Master Ji only told him to delay as much as possible.

So, Xue Shaohai simply dragged Ji Wenchang over to help manage the representatives from the various major powers.

This morning, as usual, they gathered in a side hall of the Order Enforcement Hall to discuss affairs.

Fortunately, Shangguan Pavilion Master had hurried over from Tianyan Pavilion, easing some of Xue Shaohai’s pressure.

With the old master present, indeed, the burden felt much lighter.

"Shangguan Pavilion Master, the situation on the Central Domain border is now very clear. The Demon Clan is constantly reinforcing, and we’ve even spotted strong figures from their vassals holding positions."

"The Demon Clan hasn’t displayed such full strength for a millennium. If we wait until their defenses are in place, whether to initiate an attack or to defend passively will not be an easy matter...

After all, the relocation work of Two Realms Pass hasn’t been completed; the Central Region’s border is defenseless. Without the presence of Grand Sect Master Zheng and Sect Master Lu, our current Human Clan forces simply can’t hold!

"Indeed, Shangguan Pavilion Master, you are of noble virtue and reputation. Shouldn’t you find them for a discussion? Not to mention Grand Sect Master Zheng, Sect Master Lu must come forward..."

Before the speaker finished, Shangguan Qizheng raised a hand, interrupting, "So eager to know Sect Master Lu’s whereabouts—are you planning to conserve your strength to shoot a sneak attack when the time comes?"

"Shangguan Pavilion Master, what do you mean by that? We are focused only on this battle that could determine the fate of heaven and earth; how could we..."

"If that’s the case, then why not follow the defensive arrangements initially set at Two Realms Pass?" Shangguan Qizheng snorted coldly, "This isn’t the first time clashing with the Demon Clan, is it? Do these trivial issues really require daily discussions here and there? Have you lived this long only to end up like a dog’s life?"

Seeing the group finally quiet down, Shangguan Qizheng, still stern-faced, continued, "Not to be blunt, but even if you knew the whereabouts of Grand Sect Master Zheng and Sect Master Lu, what difference would it make? Could you participate in this matter?

The myriad Demon Saints and Demon Emperors should be trouble enough for you, shouldn’t they? Do you think yourselves strong enough already?"

"Instead of running about, you might as well think about how to maximize enemy casualties in the next battles, and how to keep yourselves alive!"

Having said that, Shangguan Qizheng tapped the table, "Those of you remaining, head to the Central Domain’s frontier and take a look, or else don’t blame me for settling scores with your forces beforehand!"

Being second only to Zheng Dongliu in prestige within the Human Clan Lower Realm, Shangguan Qizheng’s words naturally carried weight.

Though old as well, he hadn’t entered the Heavenly Human Five Declines phase like Zheng Dongliu.

Watching the group disperse one by one, Xue Shaohai sighed in relief and attempted to lighten the mood, "Shangguan Pavilion Master, there’s no need to get so worked up. After all, more leaders from major forces have gone to the Central Region’s frontier..."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Qizheng waved, "Zheng Dongliu has sheltered you all too well. Can’t you see those staying behind in the Wandao Sect might be acting on behalf of certain individuals at the frontline?"

"This..." Xue Shaohai chuckled wryly, "Surely that’s not the case, otherwise how would this battle be fought?"

Without resolve for a life-or-death struggle, how can we battle the Demon Clan, inherently stronger than us?

"Don’t worry too much; such people are few," Shangguan Qizheng stood up, patting Xue Shaohai’s shoulder, "Even if it comes to the worst, they don’t have the capability or guts for an ambush."

"Indeed..."

Xue Shaohai nodded gently, just as Pavilion Master Ye You of the Mo Yun Pavilion suddenly entered from outside.

Those inside turned their gaze towards him, as Ye You bowed and said calmly, "By the Sect Master’s order, Vice Sect Master Ji and Dean Xue are to collaborate with the Mo Yun Pavilion and Lin Yuan Sword Sect to invite the families of those individuals’ nine generations to the Wandao Sect."

As his words fell, Ji Wenchang felt his eyelid twitch, and just after his lips moved, he heard Xue Shaohai step forward immediately, "At your command."

Ji Wenchang turned to see Shangguan Qizheng displaying a pleased expression.

Ji Wenchang took a deep breath, "Understood."

Ye You glanced at Ji Wenchang and added, "The Sect Master won’t resort to violence; he naturally trusts the cultivators at the front line, but at the same time, necessary measures cannot be omitted."

"I have no objection," Ji Wenchang replied quickly.

At this moment, Shangguan Qizheng spoke again, "The earlier arrangement of placing the families of Two Realms Pass cultivators in logistics is quite similar to this."

Ji Wenchang froze for a moment, his expression changing before settling into calmness, "Understood, elder."

With that, he followed Ye You out of the hall.

"Mid Divine Concealment, indeed..." Shangguan Qizheng chuckled, watching Ji Wenchang’s retreating figure, "How can the way of True Origin ever be fully realized?"

Si Xiuqi, standing to the side, smiled, "But having a person like Vice Sect Master Ji is always a good thing."

Shangguan Qizheng nodded, listening as Si Xiuqi suddenly asked, "Master, the cultivators from the Lower Realm pose no threat to Sect Master Lu, but the Upper Realm, especially Hidden Life Mountain, is what needs the most attention, correct?"