CHAPTER 483: CHAPTER 230: TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO MAKE AMENDS (SEEKING MONTHLY VOTES)

News of the Zhenyue Sect’s annihilation spread like wildfire in less than half a day, reaching other areas at an astonishing speed. Everyone who heard the news was utterly shocked. The Zhenyue Sect! What kind of power was that? As a top-tier sect, they had stood in the South Nether Prefecture for hundreds of years, their reputation second only to the Supreme Sects. Even so, they were wiped out just because the Demon-Subduing Division decreed it. The factions neighboring the Zhenyue Sect all feared for their safety, worried they would be implicated.

However, just as the turmoil from the Zhenyue Sect’s destruction showed no signs of abating, a new storm began to brew. First, the Demon-Subduing Division mobilized in force, attacking numerous Jianghu Sects. For minor offenses, all high-ranking martial artists were ordered to commit suicide as atonement; for major ones, the outcome was complete extermination. Then, several other top-tier sects received the Demon-Subduing Division’s ultimatums. Suddenly, a storm erupted within the South Nether Prefecture.

The Qingyu Sect. Ever since its former Sect Master, Yun Dingtian, perished in the Heavenly Realm, the sect had officially fallen from the ranks of the Supreme Sects. The succeeding Sect Master was also a renowned Grandmaster in the Jianghu. Logically, the Qingyu Sect, having lost a Grandmaster Peak expert to preside over it, should have been coveted by other Supreme Sects. However, Shimohe’s abrupt emergence, followed by the formation of the Heaven Alliance, diverted all attention within the South Nether Prefecture’s Jianghu. Consequently, very few concerned themselves with the Qingyu Sect. It was also for this reason that the Qingyu Sect was able to recuperate without suffering significant repercussions.

「Now.」

Inside the grand hall of the Qingyu Sect.

The new Sect Master, Chang Yin, sat in the main seat, looking at the Elders on both sides with a somewhat grave expression. "You have all received the news from the Jianghu," he began. "Both the Mountain-Breaking City and South Sea City Demon-Subduing Divisions have launched attacks on other sects. Reports indicate dozens of sects have already been eradicated. With our Qingyu Sect’s current weakened strength, we must also consider our path forward—whether to stay or go."

At the mention of the Demon-Subduing Division, all the Elders’ expressions turned solemn. Once Chang Yin finished speaking, the Grand Elder said gravely, "According to the reports, the sects targeted by the Demon-Subduing Division were all accused of violating the laws of Great Qin. Previously, when Demon Evils caused trouble, our Qingyu Sect also took action to eradicate them. Logically, the Demon-Subduing Division’s blade should not fall upon our Qingyu Sect." He didn’t believe the Demon-Subduing Division’s actions could affect the Qingyu Sect.

Speaking of which, the Qingyu Sect had a long history. While receiving the offerings of the local populace, it had also diligently fulfilled its duties. Whenever Demon Evils wreaked havoc, the Qingyu Sect would intervene. It was for this reason that the Qingyu Sect enjoyed a very good reputation in this area.

Hearing this, an Elder shook his head. "Grand Elder, you are mistaken," he said. "Although we fulfill our duties, the Imperial Court has always been discontented with Jianghu Sects like ours. Now, with the Heaven Alliance causing trouble, they might want to use this opportunity to weaken our strength. Among those exterminated sects, did every single one truly violate the laws of Great Qin?" He paused before continuing, "Whether it’s black or white is determined by a single word from the Demon-Subduing Division. If, one day, the Demon-Subduing Division’s forces arrive at our Qingyu Sect, accuse us of colluding with Demon Evils and violating Great Qin’s laws, and then proceed to crush our sect, what could we possibly say then?"

Upon hearing these words, some Elders who were still mulling over the matter changed their expressions once more. Indeed, the Demon-Subduing Division truly had reason to use this opportunity to purge the Jianghu forces of the South Nether Prefecture. The reason was simple: the Myriad Buddhas Sect had rebelled and formed the Heaven Alliance, drawing many sects to its cause. This undoubtedly alerted the Imperial Court to a threat. The Demon-Subduing Division was now the sharpest blade in the Imperial Court’s hand. It was only logical for the Imperial Court to use the Demon-Subduing Division to deal with such threats.

Chang Yin’s expression fluctuated upon hearing this. He had many speculations about the Demon-Subduing Division’s actions but couldn’t make a firm decision, which was why he had convened the Elders for discussion.

Before Chang Yin could speak, the Grand Elder shook his head. "Speculations are just speculations," he stated. "Although the Imperial Court always proclaims that ’the chivalrous use martial arts to transgress prohibitions,’ it’s impossible to eradicate all Jianghu forces. Demon Evils are rampant throughout the land. Even though the Demon-Subduing Division can suppress them, when actual disasters involving Demon Evils occur, their deployable forces are still limited. Many times, they require our sects to work together to resolve such crises in a region. If the Demon-Subduing Division truly intends to use this opportunity to eliminate all Sect Forces in the South Nether Prefecture, they would undoubtedly be digging their own graves. I believe the Demon-Subduing Division won’t be so foolish."

"Besides," he continued, "the Jianghu in the South Nether Prefecture might be eradicable, but what about the Jianghu across all nine prefectures of Great Qin? Even if they are wiped out on the surface, it’s impossible to root them out completely from the shadows. If they were to do so, the Imperial Court would find itself in complete opposition to the entire Jianghu. Neither sentiment nor reason would favor such an outcome for them; it offers them no benefits."

In the great hall, some Elders nodded in agreement upon hearing this analysis. At this moment, Chang Yin spoke, "What the Grand Elder has said is not without reason. But we must prepare for the worst. What should we do if the Demon-Subduing Division truly turns its blades towards our Qingyu Sect?"

"Sect Master, do you think we still have a choice?" the Grand Elder countered.

Chang Yin’s expression instantly grew more somber. "Grand Elder, what do you mean by that?"

"Across the nine prefectures of Great Qin, the Demon-Subduing Division reigns supreme, overshadowing all. The only forces that could possibly contend with them are the Eternal Alliance and the Heaven Alliance. The Eternal Alliance consists of Demonfolk; how can we, as Martial Artists, associate with such beings? As for the Heaven Alliance... Sect Master, have you not considered how our previous Sect Master perished?"

The previous Sect Master! Everyone felt a jolt at these words. Chang Yin said gravely, "What does the Grand Elder know?"

"I don’t know anything for certain, but I can make some deductions," the Grand Elder said, shaking his head, his tone calm. "Among those who entered the Heavenly Realm then, apart from the Demon-Subduing Division’s members, only our previous Sect Master and Yin Zizhen of the Heavenly Demon Sect possessed Grandmaster Peak strength. While Yin Zizhen’s strength is considerable, he clearly lacked the power to kill Sect Master Yun. And judging from the information provided by those who emerged from the Heavenly Realm, the Demon-Subduing Division couldn’t have killed Sect Master Yun either. After all, the Defender Envoys from the Demon-Subduing Division who entered the Heavenly Realm were only at a level equivalent to Grandmaster Peak. Even if Sect Master Yun couldn’t defeat them, escaping wouldn’t have been an issue for him. The only individuals truly capable of killing Sect Master Yun were Shen Changqing and Shimohe."

Upon hearing this, Chang Yin fell silent, and the other Elders also lapsed into thought.

The Grand Elder continued, "Shen Changqing had obtained the Longevity Fruit at that time and had no reason to attack Sect Master Yun. Thus, the identity of the real killer is self-evident. Furthermore, a Defender Envoy from the Demon-Subduing Division also died at Shimohe’s hands within the Heavenly Realm. If Shimohe was indeed the one who murdered our former Sect Master, then for our Qingyu Sect to side with the Heaven Alliance would be tantamount to walking straight into a trap." He then asked, "So, Sect Master, do you believe our Qingyu Sect has any path of retreat left?"

Chang Yin did not answer. If what the Grand Elder said was true, then the Qingyu Sect indeed had no way out. They couldn’t ally with the Heaven Alliance, nor could they ally with the Eternal Alliance. If the Demon-Subduing Division truly decided to move against the Qingyu Sect, they would have no means to resist. Taking a step back, even if the Qingyu Sect wanted to seek refuge with the Eternal Alliance, they would need connections to do so. Joining the Eternal Alliance wasn’t something one could do simply by wishing it. Moreover, after the battle a few months ago, the Eternal Alliance’s strength in the South Nether Prefecture was greatly diminished. They hadn’t made a move since, quite possibly terrified by Shen Changqing. Under such circumstances, it was unrealistic for the Qingyu Sect to seek asylum with the Eternal Alliance.

Realizing this, Chang Yin sighed deeply. "Our Qingyu Sect, a grand sect with a thousand-year heritage, has fallen to such a state. It is due to my incompetence as Sect Master!"

"Sect Master, you need not belittle yourself," the Grand Elder said with a faint smile. "The Demon-Subduing Division is powerful, and that Defender Envoy of the South Nether Prefecture is a contemporary Great Grandmaster. It’s only natural that our Qingyu Sect cannot contend with them. With Shen Changqing newly appointed, he is surely looking to establish his authority by dealing with certain sects. As long as our Qingyu Sect remains true to its principles, I believe the Demon-Subduing Division will have no reason to move against us. Even if they were to destroy our Qingyu Sect, it would bring them no benefit." Then, his tone shifted. "Moreover, it’s almost certain—eight or nine times out of ten—that Sect Master Yun died at Shimohe’s hands. The Heaven Alliance can thus be considered an enemy of our Qingyu Sect. With our current strength, seeking revenge is almost impossible. However, the South Nether Prefecture’s Demon-Subduing Division, along with a contemporary Great Grandmaster, inherently holds an unbeatable position against the Heaven Alliance. Unless Shimohe achieves another breakthrough, he will never be a match for the Demon-Subduing Division. We might as well show goodwill to the Demon-Subduing Division. If we could gain their support, not only could the Qingyu Sect recover its vitality, but it might even be possible for us to reach new heights."

Ally with the Demon-Subduing Division! Chang Yin was shocked by this idea. He realized that in terms of overall strategy, he was still somewhat naive, not as shrewd as this Grand Elder. The pros and cons, the potential benefits and drawbacks—the Grand Elder had already seen them all clearly. Upon further reflection, everything the Grand Elder had proposed would mostly benefit the Qingyu Sect. Even if aligning with the Demon-Subduing Division tarnished their reputation in the Jianghu, how could mere reputation compare to the importance of the Demon-Subduing Division’s support? The only remaining question was whether the Demon-Subduing Division would accept the Qingyu Sect’s overtures of goodwill.

"The Grand Elder is not wrong," Chang Yin said, frowning deeply, "but the Demon-Subduing Division might not value our Qingyu Sect!"

The Grand Elder chuckled lightly. "Sect Master, you underestimate our Qingyu Sect. We possess the foundation of a former Supreme Sect. Although we currently lack a Grandmaster Peak expert, in other aspects, we are not much weaker than those actual Supreme Sects. If such a power shows goodwill and pledges allegiance, the Demon-Subduing Division is unlikely to turn us away."

"After all, how many former Supreme Sects are there in the vast South Nether Prefecture? News of the Qingyu Sect pledging allegiance could even inspire other Sect Forces to side with the Demon-Subduing Division. Overtly and covertly, this would be beneficial for the Demon-Subduing Division. If I were Shen Changqing, I certainly wouldn’t refuse."