Half a month ago.

Mount Shushan.

Li Xuanxiao of Silver Sword Peak received a letter.

After carefully reading it, his expression suddenly changed.

Realizing something was wrong, he didn't hesitate any longer.

"........."

Disasters were frequent across Zhongzhou, and Mount Shushan had canceled all missions to focus on disaster relief.

Yet at this critical moment, an urgent letter from Cangzhou arrived.

The Eastern Desolate Demon Territory had allied with the aquatic tribes, crossing the Soul Burial Sea to invade Cangzhou.

Burial Armament City had vanished without a trace.

Upon receiving the urgent letter, Lingxu immediately summoned five Tribulation Transcension elders to accompany him to Cangzhou.

They would assess the situation first regardless.

Lingxu packed a few belongings in his courtyard—mainly gathering the sweet potatoes he'd grown into a bundle—before hastily preparing to depart.

Just as he stepped out, Li Xuanxiao arrived and blocked his path.

Lingxu frowned slightly.

He remembered Li Xuanxiao should have already left Mount Shushan with Lu Ziyin. Why had he returned so abruptly?

"What's wrong? What happened?" Lingxu asked.

Li Xuanxiao seemed unsure how to phrase it. "Master, this matter is of grave importance!"

"What matter?" Lingxu was puzzled.

"Zhongzhou is suffering calamities everywhere. The aquatic tribes have allied with the Eastern Desolate Demon Territory, and Burial Armament City in Cangzhou has disappeared. This... might be a conspiracy."

Hearing this, Lingxu stared at his disciple in astonishment, as if Li Xuanxiao had received the urgent letter simultaneously.

Before Lingxu could ponder further, Li Xuanxiao knelt heavily and said solemnly, "Master, this matter is too critical. Punish me later if needed. I've long suspected someone is targeting Mount Shushan. I believe Burial Armament City has allied with the demon tribes to lure our forces away and weaken Shushan's defenses."

Pausing briefly, Li Xuanxiao continued, "Master, do you remember what happened to Elder Liu Yi of Little Bamboo Peak? Judging by recent events, they're about to make their move!"

Lingxu fell silent for a moment. "Burial Armament City has opposed the demon tribes since ancient times. Its current lord, Wen Yuan, bears an irreconcilable blood feud with the Scarlet Dawn Demon King. Why would they ally? Even if they did, what would they gain? To let demons slaughter Cangzhou?"

"I don't know," Li Xuanxiao replied immediately. "But Mount Shushan's power inspires both fear and resentment. They might unite to destroy us. Master, if this alliance is real, the demons won't truly ravage Cangzhou—it's just a facade. We should... maintain our position and observe!"

"Then..." Lingxu pondered. "If it's true, what then? If the Eastern Desolate Demon Territory conquers Cangzhou, the consequences would be endless."

Li Xuanxiao's chest heaved—he'd rushed here at top speed after receiving the letter. "Master... I don't know what to do either. I never imagined they'd use Cangzhou as bait. Their target is you. They're luring you into a trap."

Truthfully, Li Xuanxiao couldn't solve this dilemma. The enemy knew Mount Shushan would send aid regardless—whether for Zhongzhou or not.

Li Xuanxiao refused to gamble. His priority was ensuring Mount Shushan's safety first. Only by protecting themselves could they save more lives. But Mount Shushan's justice wasn't transactional.

Lingxu naturally wouldn't share his disciple's perspective. "What's your suggestion?" he asked.

Li Xuanxiao promptly presented his prepared plan. "Master, with you and the other peak masters here, no scheme can threaten us—provided..." He trailed off.

The unspoken condition was clear: Lingxu must not leave Mount Shushan, no matter how dire the situation outside. Even if the demons conquered Cangzhou.

Lingxu studied his disciple. He wasn't foolish—he knew Li Xuanxiao harbored many secrets. But he also knew his disciple was merely cautious, not malicious, so he'd turned a blind eye.

After a moment's hesitation, Lingxu messaged the deputy sect leader: "Recall all Tribulation Transcension experts to guard Mount Shushan. No one enters or leaves without my order. I'll go to Cangzhou myself."

Li Xuanxiao's expression flickered, but he swallowed his words. He finally understood—the key wasn't stopping Lingxu this time. This might be a trap, but what about next time? Could the sect leader hide forever?

The enemy was playing openly, unafraid of their plans being exposed.

Li Xuanxiao looked up at Lingxu. "Master... at least send scouts first before acting."

He knew every second of delay meant countless lives lost. He understood his master's choice.

If it were him, Li Xuanxiao would likely hesitate too—but ultimately choose to stay. Survival came first. Yet that was his choice, not Lingxu's.

Lingxu chuckled, ruffling Li Xuanxiao's hair with a broad hand. "Worrying so much at your age—no wonder you've got white hairs already."

Li Xuanxiao froze. He hadn't noticed. As a Nascent Soul cultivator in his forties, white hairs shouldn't appear.

"Mount Shushan's natural defenses are impregnable, our sword formations unmatched, and all peak masters are present. Let's see who can topple us. Don't fret—I'll be back soon. I'm no hero. If things turn sour, I'll retreat immediately. If I choose to leave, no one in this world can stop me." Lingxu spoke lightly.

Li Xuanxiao urged again, "Master, if you insist on going, beware of ambushes—especially from Burial Armament City's cultivators. Stay in contact with Shushan, and trust no one!"

Lingxu nodded with a smile. "Enough nagging. People might think you're the master here."

"Master, please be careful," Li Xuanxiao repeated anxiously.