Qingxu Temple, document room beside Taiqing Hall. The atmosphere was no longer busy and orderly but carried a trace of gravity. Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's brow was tightly locked as he looked at a jade slip recording images urgently transmitted from border patrol guards. The jade slip's projected images clearly showed the "Red Flame Valley" region at the border between Qingxu Temple and Liyang Sect.
Within the valley, boundary markers once clearly demarcated were now violently destroyed. The image zoomed in on several disciples in Liyang Sect's crimson robes facing off against Qingxu Temple patrol guards. Both sides had swords drawn, tension high. Scorch marks from magical collisions and frost remained on the ground.
Liyang Sect disciples clearly had numerical superiority and an arrogant attitude, pointing at a newly discovered fire-attribute spirit stone vein exposed within the valley, clearly vying for ownership rights. "This is already the third time this month." Mu Qingfeng closed the jade slip, voice low: "The first two times were merely verbal disputes, boundary marker destruction. This time, Liyang Sect people directly fought and injured three of our patrol disciples, forcibly occupied the vein entrance, claiming Red Flame Valley has always belonged to Liyang Sect territory!" The elder responsible for external affairs had a grim expression, adding: "Liyang Sect's formal response to us was also extremely overbearing. Claiming Red Flame Valley is their ancestors' 'traditional hunting grounds,' all resources within the valley belong to them.
Accusing our patrol guards of crossing boundaries and provocation, demanding we immediately withdraw all personnel and compensate their 'losses.'" "Preposterous!" A hot-tempered elder smashed his hand on the table: "Red Flame Valley's boundaries were jointly surveyed by both sects' founders three hundred years ago, markers established, peaceful for generations! Now seeing the newly discovered spirit stone vein, they deny their commitments, pure robbery!" Another elder worried: "Liyang Sect's strength is not weak. Their Pavilion Master Yan Yang True Immortal is a Nascent Soul mid-stage cultivator, with over a dozen Golden Core elders. Previously we coexisted peacefully.
Now they suddenly provoke, what is the reason? They must be taking advantage of our post-demonic-disaster weakened state, thinking us easy prey!" "Not only that," Tang Xiaoqi spoke. He had just arrived from the Technique Transmission Hall, expression calm: "I received news from Mu Xue at Xuanji Holy Land. Liyang Sect has had close exchanges with several western region fire-attribute sects recently, seemingly forming an alliance.
Their provocation this time is probably not an isolated event. There may be someone backing them, probing us, or even plotting more." This statement caused the document room to fall silent. If Liyang Sect's actions were driven by larger forces behind the scenes, the situation was far more complex and dangerous than a simple border dispute. Liu Yun coldly said: "Regardless of what is behind it, invading our borders, injuring our disciples, this cannot be compromised.
Otherwise, surrounding powers will think Qingxu Temple can be bullied, following suit. The sect will have no peace." Her words represented the Law Enforcement Hall and most pro-war disciples' sentiments. Mu Qingfeng rubbed his brow, suppressing restlessness, trying to remain calm: "Xiao Qi, Sister Liu's words are reasonable. Retreat will not bring peace, only fuel greed.
But direct war is not optimal either. The sect just recovered somewhat. We cannot afford another major war drain, moreover needing to guard against Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants and unknown demonic entity dangers." He contemplated briefly, gaze sweeping everyone, ultimately deciding: "Immediately dispatch two elite Sky Patrol Guard teams led by a Golden Core elder to Red Flame Valley to reinforce our people, control the situation, but temporarily avoid large-scale conflict with Liyang Sect. Simultaneously, in the sect's name, send stern protest to Liyang Sect demanding they immediately withdraw from the illegally occupied area, repair markers, compensate our injured disciples, and explain their provocation." "Additionally," he looked at Tang Xiaoqi: "Xiao Qi, perhaps you personally need to go to the border." Tang Xiaoqi nodded, understanding Senior Brother's intention.
His current prestige was high, strength unfathomable. His personal visit could demonstrate Qingxu Temple's resolve and power, creating strong deterrence. It could also use his influence to try controlling the situation, avoiding worst outcomes. After all, his "World-Purifying True Lord" reputation carried significant weight with neighboring sects.
"I will depart immediately." Tang Xiaoqi did not hesitate. "Be careful." Mu Qingfeng solemnly instructed: "Liyang Sect's actions are abnormal this time, may be ambushes or hidden moves. Your safety is paramount. If the situation is uncontrollable, prioritize protecting yourself and disciples." Tang Xiaoqi agreed.
His form flashed, becoming a ray of light heading directly toward the mountain gate. After he left, Mu Qingfeng issued several more directives: ordering the Artifact Hall and Pill Hall to accelerate war material production and storage; ordering the Law Enforcement Hall to strengthen internal patrols, preventing spies; ordering external affairs elders to urgently contact allied sects, seeking diplomatic support. Entire Qingxu Temple was like a bow gradually drawn. Though the surface remained calm, internally it tightened, entering wartime posture.
Everyone realized Liyang Sect's border provocation was not simple resource dispute but likely a prelude to a larger storm. Whether the sect could withstand this pressure, maintain its dignity and interests, would directly affect its status and future in the southeast region and entire cultivation world. Above Red Flame Valley, clouds gathered. Tension like accumulating storm clouds presaged further escalation's inevitability.