Chapter 003

It was precisely because of this that Ming Xijue could not think of any good solutions at the moment. He had to immediately elevate Su Yao to the position of sect leader and then deal with the external dangers. Although he knew that using force in this manner would not only cause the two elders to lose face significantly but also leave potential future troubles, he was about to become an ice pop for nineteen years and then go to another world, so he did not care about these matters and directly resorted to this most crude and simple method. Although he knew that using force in this manner would not only cause the two elders to lose face significantly but also leave potential future troubles, he was about to become an ice pop for nineteen years and then go to another world, so he did not care about these matters and directly resorted to this most crude and simple method.

The hearts of the crowd immediately shifted, for swearing an oath with one's true heart is the gravest punishment for cultivators. If one speaks a lie, they will be entangled by inner demons; the lighter consequence is the loss of cultivation, while the heavier consequence is the scattering of the soul. Xuan Xiao has always maintained good character, and having made such a solemn oath, it is evident that he is open and upright. In contrast, Qing Yang Zhongguang remained silent, which inevitably led to disdain among the crowd. Moreover, as many had lost close ones in such wars, they held a greater admiration for Xuan Zhen, resulting in some unrest at that moment.

All of this was within Ming Xijue's expectations. Ever since he learned from Xuanxiao's memories that Qionghua possessed a unique divination technique, he knew that Qingyang and Chongguang must have found Suyue and provided them with means of concealment. Moreover, considering that Liu Mengli had stayed in Qionghua for such a long time with the Imperial Princess Jade and nothing had happened, along with the knowledge of how rare the Imperial Princess Jade was in this world—something only a super sect like Qionghua, which had been passed down for nearly a million years, could be aware of—he connected all the dots.

Ah, why are there so many troubles? Ming Xijue looked at the invitations from the Kunlun, Shushan, and Emei sects, only wanting to frown

Zong Lian remained silent, but Li You was enraged. He had the closest relationship with Taiqing and, upon witnessing the desolation of Xuan Zhen, his voice suddenly rose by eight degrees: "Brother Qingyang, you are being a bit too foolish. Not to mention how crucial Wangshu is to my Qionghua and to the nephew Xuanxiao, just that little dream tapir alone could save nephew Xuan Zhen. The power of the sword pillar is gradually weakening and can no longer last for three days!"

Ming Xijue does not care much about these matters. Firstly, Xuanxiao indeed said this, and even if he had not, Xuanxiao is destined to become a demon in the future. He himself must play the role of a villain BOSS in different worlds, and it is impossible for him to become an immortal. What he is concerned about is that Kunlun Sect, being a super sect and also located in Kunlun Mountain, has always been at odds with Qionghua Sect. Given the significant commotion caused by Qionghua, it would be strange if Kunlun Sect did not send someone to investigate the situation. If Qionghua continues to engage in such internal strife, not to mention the risk of being robbed and the sect being reshuffled, if those sects truly become aware of Qionghua's predicament, it is possible that they might unite to attack Qionghua. In that case, there would be no need to play any BOSS role; one might as well just go home.

Qingyang was instantly enraged. The rules of the Qionghua Sect were strict. Although Xuanxiao was the host of Xihe and possessed great strength, he was still merely a junior and usually showed great respect. However, today he was subjected to cold mockery and humiliation, how could he not be angry? But after a moment's thought, he pretended to be concerned and said, "Is it that Master Nephew Xuanxiao is feeling unwell? That makes sense; separating the dual swords can harm the heart meridian. Master Nephew should be careful not to go astray..."

"Elder Qingyang, why must you feign sincerity?" Ming Xijue imitated the demeanor of Xuanxiao from the game, curling her lips into a disdainful smile. "If it were truly a moment of compassion, how could the imperial princess Emerald, whom Elder Qingyang cherishes, have disappeared?"

Indeed, I and Chongguang did encounter Yuntianqing and Suyu in the Cave of the Flame Emperor and Shennong, but they were pleading desperately... Qingyang sighed

Both the elders of the Taiqing generation and the disciples of the Xuan generation participated in this meeting, as the matter had caused an enormous uproar

What merit and capability does Xuanxiao possess to warrant Elder Qingyang's concern to this extent regarding the *Map* and *Book*? The Water Spirit Pearl is an ancient treasure, and there is no need for you to worry about it. Ming Xijue coldly released the aura of a peak Earth Immortal, shocking everyone present. In the realm of cultivation, the strong are revered. If just a moment ago others could accuse him of disrespecting his elders, now no one dared to interrupt Qingyang's words directly. Elder Qingyang and Elder Chongguang have calculated well; the Imperial Daughter Emerald can conceal her aura. Once three days pass, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal would be unable to save Brother Xuan Zhen. I, having lost the ability to harmonize with Wangshu, am unfit for the position of Sect Leader. Elder Zonglian is engrossed in sword forging, Elder Liyou's spiritual power is supportive, and the other elders have either perished in battle or regressed in cultivation. This position of Sect Leader will inevitably fall to one of you two. Am I correct in what I say?

In the game, everything is said to be fine, whether it is about unattainable pursuits or unbearable sacrifices, but ultimately, it is merely a struggle for power and profit

"The words of Ming Xijue are as sharp as knives, yet he possesses formidable strength, making it impossible for the elders to exert pressure through authority; they can only allow him to continue speaking: 'If the two elders truly have no selfish motives, then why not swear before everyone with sincerity? If Xuanxiao has indeed wronged the two elders, let them punish me as they see fit, and I will not utter a single word of complaint!' He gives no opportunity for Qingyang Chongguang from m.hetushu.com to respond, continuing, 'I also dare to swear with sincerity that before the two of you set out, I not only pointed out the escape direction of Xuanji and Suyu, but also specifically mentioned that they are very likely to go to the Flame Emperor's Shennong Cave, hoping that you will search there. If I have even a hint of falsehood, let me be unable to attain immortality for all eternity!'"

Qionghua is a substantial asset, and the title of the world's number one is a glory that all sects aspire to attain. Even cultivators are no exception. To put it bluntly, the law of the jungle in the realm of cultivation is so ruthless that it leaves no room for concealment, a brutality that is shocking. Ming Xijue can imagine that as soon as there is even the slightest hint of discord on their side, those so-called righteous sects and enlightened masters will pounce like wolves upon meat, ready to divide Qionghua among themselves. Currently, the number of capable disciples and core forces within Qionghua is indeed limited, and any internal strife would undoubtedly lead to self-destruction. As a disciple of the sect and having assisted Xuan Zhen in managing sect affairs for many years, Su Yao possesses a meticulous character and has always held a position of authority. Therefore, it is imperative to have her succeed as the sect leader as soon as possible to unify command and reassure the people.

I ... ... '' Qingyang lowered his head

Qionghua Palace, the atmosphere is one of solemnity

I see a future devoid of brightness before me. Ming Xijue lamented

Although this war is brutal, the surviving disciples, who have been baptized in blood, have gained some understanding and must be given enough time to grow. Therefore, the only way for Qionghua to buy time now is to possess an unparalleled master capable of casually eliminating dozens of equally strong opponents as a deterrent. After all, the longer one practices and the stronger one becomes, the more one fears death. As long as Qionghua can endure for five years, with the resources of the greatest sect in the world, it can fully recover its vitality. Thus, the only person in all of Qionghua who can bear this heavy responsibility is Xuanxiao.

One day prior, Elders Qingyang and Chongguang returned empty-handed, leaving everyone in disbelief. This was because essentially everyone of importance knew that in order to protect the safety of the dual sword hosts, Qionghua possessed a unique auxiliary mental technique that allowed them to see the spiritual light of the dual swords, enabling timely rescue in case of any incidents. Otherwise, Taiping would not have felt at ease allowing Xuanxiao and Suyu to descend the mountain for training, not to mention that Xuanxiao, who could sense the host of Wangshu, Xihe, was also present. Xuanxiao was convinced that Yuntianqing and Suyou were highly likely in the Divine Farmer's Cave, and he had previously discussed this with Qingyang and Chongguang. The other elders naturally understood what this implied. The neutral Zonglian Elder and Elder Liyou immediately dispatched personnel specifically to the Divine Farmer's Cave, only to find out that Yuntianqing and Suyou had just left, which stirred up a hornet's nest.