CHAPTER 305: CHAPTER 300: CALL

"Moon Palace." Lu Yuan gazed at the cultivator from Moon Palace.

The memories of her childhood had gradually faded away, so much that many of them were forgotten. She only remembered that after her parents’ demise, the place she grew up in was no longer her home.

She followed her master Mo Yang to Li Mountain.

Sun and Moon Dual Palace, along with West Emperor Island, were originally part of Sun and Moon Palace many years ago—they were the dominating forces of the West Sea region, but later split into three factions.

Now, with demons wreaking havoc in the West Sea, these three factions seem to have united once again.

Envoys from Sun and Moon Dual Palace arrived at West Emperor Palace.

Liu Zonglin and the envoys of Sun and Moon Dual Palace moved forward to the seat of honor in the main hall. People around them stood up, even the Yazhou Prefect smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting: "I am Wenren Mu, Yazhou Prefect. Greetings to Master Liu and the two envoys."

"The Lord Governor crossed the sea from afar, it has been hard on you." Liu Zonglin responded with a smile, and a sword cultivator from West Flame Island also paid respects: "My master asked me to greet Master Liu on his behalf."

"How can I dare?" Liu Zonglin waved his hand with a smile and said, "If your master arrives, I ought to salute as well."

Though he is the Palace Master of West Emperor Palace, outwardly glorious, in terms of actual power, the presence on West Flame Island far surpasses him—this is the world of cultivators, where strength speaks for everything.

"The palace master is too courteous." The middle-aged man replied, understanding that Liu Zonglin spoke the truth—his master had long been secluded on West Flame Island, and now his prowess in Sword Dao had become extraordinary, if his sword left West Flame Island, even the Sword Saint List would shake.

"Let’s attend to the main business first."

Liu Zonglin said with a smile, stepping forward to the cultivators present. The Seven Realms Great Cultivator stood there, instantly exuding an invisible pressure, causing the bustling West Emperor Palace to gradually quiet down until there was no sound at all.

"Today’s gathering has a purpose that I believe you’re all aware of." Liu Zonglin scanned the crowd and said, "Now, the demons in the West Sea region have initiated a war, intending to make it impossible for humans to survive in the West Sea—this concerns the life and death of billions on the islands of the West Sea. You cultivators at this realm might be able to walk away and head inland, but billions of creatures on the islands would become fodder for the demons."

"As the Palace Master of West Emperor Palace, I stand here and call upon us—how can we, cultivators, fear battle, disregarding the life and death of billions of humans? West Emperor Palace will be at the forefront, fighting against the demons."

"Today, we convene this Demon Slaying Summit to invite cultivators from all realms to join us in slaying demons."

After Liu Zonglin said this, he paused for a moment, and the crowd below grew agitated.

"What the Palace Master said is correct. How can we let demons trample over us? We must sweep away the demons of the West Sea."

"Slaying demons and eliminating evil is our unshirkable duty."

Many spoke with righteousness, someone said, "What does the Palace Master need us to do? Just say the word."

"Now the demons have launched a war against humanity, the sea demons listen to unified commands, but human cultivators have not fully united, which is the purpose of this Demon Slaying Summit." Liu Zonglin said, "West Emperor Palace and Sun and Moon Dual Palace are willing to be pioneers, calling upon cultivators from all realms to join us in slaying demons shoulder to shoulder."

"Of course, I also know that cultivation is not easy, slaying demons is perilous, therefore no force is required. If you are unwilling, you may leave now. If you wish to join, then stay to participate in this Demon Slaying Summit. Any Solidifying Pill and Golden Body Realm cultivator willing to attend the summit may choose to join West Emperor Palace, be granted access to our Scripture Pavilion. Additionally, Sun and Moon Dual Palace, and West Flame Island will recruit a batch of cultivators, and even I will personally accept disciples—Sun and Moon Dual Palace and West Flame Island are the same. If chosen, you’ll have the chance to be under top Great Cultivators."

"Furthermore, those who perform outstandingly in this Demon Slaying Summit have the chance to receive magical treasures, cultivation techniques, and other rewards. In future wars against demons, those who excel will also be rewarded."

Liu Zonglin’s words caused an uproar among the cultivators. They hadn’t expected West Emperor Palace to go this far—all Fifth Realms cultivators participating in the Demon Slaying Summit can choose to cultivate at West Emperor Palace, they thought only a selective few would be chosen.

But upon second thought, they understood—this is also an expansion of West Emperor Palace’s power.

To be able to cultivate to the Fifth Realms, these cultivators are already considered strong figures, joining West Emperor Palace might not necessarily grant them too many resources; ultimately personal strength is what matters.

In such circumstances, why would West Emperor Palace mind having more cultivators join them?

What truly attracts is the chance to become a direct disciple of Liu Zonglin, or to cultivate at Sun and Moon Dual Palace and West Flame Island. If they are chosen, it would be vastly different.

Not just simply ’joining’ West Emperor Palace, its weight is entirely different, almost a world of difference.

But getting into their favor is easier said than done.

Besides, for ordinary Solidifying Pill cultivators, what attracts them is accessing the Scripture Pavilion at West Emperor Palace—this way, they can access some formidable cultivation techniques, spells, etc.

As for rewards of formidable magical treasures and cultivation techniques, ordinary Fifth Realms cultivators can hardly hope for them—only those with exceptional talents might get a chance.

"Before you make a decision, does anyone have questions?" Liu Zonglin asked, looking at the crowd.

"Master Liu, in this Demon Slaying Summit, is it about sparring, and how do you define outstanding performance?" someone asked.

"Those who wish to show off can come forward and display themselves, I, the envoys from Sun and Moon Dual Palace, and many others present can naturally discern if one is outstanding. As long as you’re impressive enough, you will get opportunities, and potentially rewards." Liu Zonglin said with a smile, "Of course, this is just the Demon Slaying Summit—if you want true rewards, you need to head to the actual demon-slaying battlefield and achieve merits."

"Understood." The cultivator nodded, understanding Liu Zonglin’s intentions.

"Master Liu, what do you mean by heavy rewards, and how do you define merit? Is it by the number of demons killed?" At this point, Luo Qingyan who was beside Li Fan asked.

If it’s about the number of demons killed, Li Fan will definitely not lag behind any cultivator—she saw how many demons Li Fan killed during that battle and also on Jiao Demon Island.

So, if it is by the number of demons killed, what heavy rewards might be obtainable?

Li Fan glanced at Luo Qingyan, clearly understanding that she was asking on his behalf.

"That will depend on the circumstances of the forthcoming war—it can be measured by demon count or otherwise. As for the rewards, if one achieves exceptional merit, West Emperor Palace will not be stingy, and I believe Sun and Moon Dual Palace also won’t be." Liu Zonglin said, "If you must ask about the rewards, then I will disclose—at least a top-tier sixth-grade magical treasure."

Upon hearing Liu Zonglin’s words, numerous cultivators felt a ripple in their hearts. They are all Fifth Realms cultivators—a top-tier sixth-grade magical treasure is merely a luxury for them.

Not to mention them—even the core disciples of West Emperor Palace or even the Palace Master’s direct disciples could not hold such level of magical treasure unless they’re the inheritor of West Emperor Palace.

"Thank you, Palace Master, for clarifying." Luo Qingyan smiled, turning to glance at Li Fan—a top-tier sixth-grade magical treasure—couldn’t this guy be a bit tempted?

Although Li Fan’s heart rippled, it wasn’t exceedingly tempting—he already carried treasured items, yet obtaining a top-tier magical treasure other than a sword would be a significant boost for him.

Besides, he was already planning to stay and slay demons.

Slaying demons, for him, is also a means of enhancing his power.

As a Li Mountain Sword Cultivator, he is supposed to slay demons and eliminate evil, and this is also an opportunity.

"The words have been spoken, whether to stay or leave, is for each of you to choose." Liu Zonglin waved his hand then said, "Anyone unwilling to participate can leave now, but if decided to participate, they must follow unified commands—I give all of you the time of one incense stick to consider."

Saying this, he sat down, and the envoys of Sun and Moon Dual Palace sat beside him, seeming to speak softly with him.

The crowd grew noisy, and people began to leave, although Liu Zonglin’s promised conditions were enticing, some still chose not to engage in the battle against demons, as it is too perilous.

"How can there be unharmed eggs under a toppled nest? Even if leaving, one might still perish at the hands of demons—we, cultivators, should unite our strength and slay demons together." Someone shouted in the crowd, unsure if arranged by West Emperor Palace.

Though some still left, most chose to stay after the discussions—of course, not necessarily all for righteousness, everyone had their own thoughts.

As time went by, fewer and fewer left.

Li Fan looked surprised at the crowd—noticing that most cultivators had chosen to stay.

One incense stick of time passed quickly, Liu Zonglin glanced at the crowd with a smile and said, "You are men of righteousness, for staying and slaying demons with West Emperor Palace—the Demon Slaying Summit shall now begin."