Tiger Stream Ridge.

Cyan Cloud Sect Immortal Master's Mansion.

Xiao Keyuan walked out from the practice room.

After a night of cultivation, his spiritual power had somewhat advanced.

He went to the office room.

Picking up the latest intelligence jade scroll to have a look.

"In Cyan Yang Prefecture, the Demon Sect's arrogance is increasing. Two fellow disciples were injured in magical combat with demon cultivators and returned to the sect."

"In the sect, no strong fellow members have been dispatched to slay demons and eliminate the evil, but I am merely instructed to hold the line and maintain the situation."

"If I keep retreating, how can the sect's dignity be preserved! How can we win over those neutral cultivation clans and powerful Foundation Establishment loose cultivators!"

Xiao Keyuan looked at the intelligence jade scroll, and thoughts stirred in his mind.

He then picked up another intelligence jade scroll.

Shen Xuan's name appeared on the jade scroll, with lines of small text detailing Shen Xuan's deeds after joining the Cyan Cloud Sect.

The account of Shen Xuan alone breaking through the Cyan Dragon Bay Market and crushing three Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Red Rainbow Sect was the most detailed.

"Shen Xuan, this person, is hidden and discreet, also a direct disciple of a true master. Recently, he even collected merits and exchanged them for Master Cold Jade's Ice Technique Secret Technique."

"If he lends his aid, the affairs of Cyan Yang Prefecture would be well achievable!"

Xiao Keyuan pondered to himself.

Looking again at Shen Xuan's reply.

It contained a lot of evasive intentions.

Xiao Keyuan frowned slightly and called for the steward to inquire about Shen Xuan's recent whereabouts.

Upon hearing that Shen Xuan was in closed-door cultivation at the Rain Listening Pavilion, he couldn't help but sigh lightly.

After the steward left, Xiao Keyuan took out a jade scroll, planning to write another letter to summon him.

He is a senior elder of the Cyan Cloud Sect, appointed by the sect as the person in charge of matters at Cyan Yang Prefecture.

Logically, Shen Xuan, stationed long-term at Cyan Yang Prefecture, should heed his dispatch.

However, Shen Xuan is different from those fellow disciples, somewhat special.

He is under the master's command to support the Su Family and has not taken on the sect's demon-slaying tasks.

Strictly speaking, Shen Xuan only needs to protect the Su Family and does not need to go out to slay demons.

In Xiao Keyuan's letter, he also used a negotiating tone to invite him to come out and assist.

Before the letter was finished, the steward came in hurriedly to report that Elder Shen Xuan had arrived at Tiger Stream Ridge and was waiting outside to meet him.

That noon.

Xiao Keyuan hosted a banquet for Shen Xuan.

Shen Xuan greeted each of the fellow disciples.

A year had passed without seeing each other.

The fellow disciples stationed at Tiger Stream Ridge had decreased by two people.

Including Xiao Keyuan, there were only fifteen left.

The patriarch of the Zhao Family and two Foundation Establishment clan elders accompanied the hospitality.

This time, the banquet was vegetarian.

No Celestial Fragrance Pavilion girls were arranged to dance.

This slightly disappointed Shen Xuan.

He was still contemplating whether to half-jokingly, half-seriously, pick an eye-catching girl from Celestial Fragrance Pavilion to test her skills.

After the banquet.

Xiao Keyuan, the Zhao patriarch, and Shen Xuan went to the secret chamber.

Shen Xuan looked at the intelligence jade scroll in his hand.

In Cyan Yang Prefecture, the Cyan Cloud Sect and Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators had already engaged in magical combat and clashes many times.

Both sides were apprehensive, not using lethal force.

But the number of Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators was increasing, while the Cyan Cloud Sect had only a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the Zhao Family was unwilling to exert full effort, gradually falling into a disadvantage.

"Senior Brother Xiao's intention is to launch a campaign to sweep through demon cultivators and break the momentum of their attack?"

"Indeed, that is exactly what senior brother intends."

Xiao Keyuan planned to divide into three teams and set out in three directions to sweep the demon cultivators within Cyan Yang Prefecture.

The Zhao Family would lead loose cultivators to operate behind and around Tiger Stream Ridge.

The real offensive would still be led by the two teams of Cyan Cloud Sect cultivators, advancing toward the Wu Family in Red Rock Forest in a pincer attack.

One team would launch a feigned attack, maneuvering with the Wu Family of Red Rock Forest.

The other team would flank and encircle, attacking from the rear.

Finally, the two teams would converge in a pincer move, launching an attack, putting the enemy in a crisis.

The plan was well-crafted.

The key point of the pincer attack was that the flanking team must be powerful.

They must not be counter-encircled or annihilated by demon cultivators.

Xiao Keyuan's meaning was for Shen Xuan to lead the flanking team, selecting competent personnel from among fellow disciples, the Zhao Family, and loose cultivators to accomplish this task.

Shen Xuan immediately refused.

"Senior Brother Xiao overestimates me! I am not skilled in magical combat, this matter is certainly not feasible!"

What a joke!

To venture deep into the demon-occupied territories and engage in life-and-death battle with the demon cultivator army.

How could he, at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, have the virtue or ability to command those fellow disciples and the Zhao Family members.

In war, there are always casualties.

If those accompanying him suffer any mishap, should it be blamed on him?

Though sect merit is good, Shen Xuan is unwilling to obtain it at the cost of sacrificing fellow members.

Behind every sect Foundation Establishment cultivator, there are friends and family.

When returning to the sect, who knows how much trouble awaits.

"Junior Brother Shen is too modest! Among the junior brothers, only you are capable of such a task!"

Xiao Keyuan wanted to persuade further.

Shen Xuan's attitude was firm.

"Other matters can be discussed, but taking on the role of the campaign leader is something my abilities are too meager for, absolutely not!"

Seeing this, the Zhao patriarch advised, "Brother Xiao, is it too risky to divide and pincer attack? Our numbers are already somewhat insufficient."

Shen Xuan quickly added, "Indeed! Brother Zhao is absolutely right. The demon cultivators are strong, if there's any misstep in dividing our forces, how could Senior Brother Xiao explain this to the sect?"

Xiao Keyuan saw both opposing and had to revise the plan.

The three of them discussed for a while.

A campaign to sweep and root out the demon cultivators was imperative.

Otherwise, if the people's hearts are lost, Xiao Keyuan will find it difficult to maintain the current situation.

Three teams should be changed to two.

Patriarch Zhao will lead the clan cultivators and loose cultivators to sweep the rear and surrounding areas.

Xiao Keyuan will lead the Cyan Cloud Sect cultivators, openly and honestly, to crusade against the Wu Family of Red Rock Forest.

It was only under these conditions that Shen Xuan agreed to join the crusade.

With Xiao Keyuan at the forefront.

He is merely a participant, maintaining his independence is still possible.

...

Red Rock Forest.

Wu Family territory.

Conference Hall.

Wu Yulan sat on the grand master's chair, examining the Intelligence Jade Scroll.

In the hall sat more than a dozen cultivators, surrounded by black aura, all were Foundation Establishment Demon Cultivators.

"Saintess Yulan, that Xiao Keyuan is so reckless, why not organize manpower to hit him head-on?"

Suggested one of the demon cultivators.

"Indeed, Cyan Cloud Sect cultivators are nothing remarkable. If Saintess Yulan takes action, Xiao Keyuan will undoubtedly be defeated!"

"Saint Child Nangong sent word that if Immortal Yulan were to confront him, he would be willing to lead over ten companions in a flank attack on Xiao Keyuan's forces."

The demon cultivators were excited.

"Xiao Keyuan is insensible; we will win the decisive battle!"

Wu Yulan gracefully raised her jade hand.

The demon cultivators in the hall quieted down.

"Cyan Cloud Sect is one of the seven major sects in Song Country, with a Nascent Soul True Monarch overseeing it, it cannot be underestimated!"

"Until now, Cyan Cloud Sect has only sent this old and mediocre Xiao Keyuan to preside over the situation in Cyan Yang Prefecture. Not one direct disciple has come, their intentions are unpredictable."

"In this Cyan Cloud Sect crusade army, there is one figure, you merely heard his name, but Yulan has seen him make a move."

"That spurious Nangong Guang does not wish to confront him head-on and wants Yulan to take the lead, he's calculated well!"

In Cyan Yang Prefecture, the struggle between Dao and Demon has lasted for several years, with Blood Spirit Sect and Cyan Cloud Sect already heated in conflict.

Dozens of Demon Foundation Cultivators were severely injured, and similarly, Cyan Cloud Sect also counted dozens of injured Foundation Establishment cultivators returning to the sect.

Fortunately, within the Blood Spirit Sect, numerous Qi Cultivation consummation demon cultivators came to Cyan Yang Prefecture seeking Foundation Establishment opportunities.

The more Cyan Cloud Sect fights, the fewer their numbers, while the number of demon cultivators successfully blood-sacrificed into Foundation Establishment within the Blood Spirit Sect increases.

In this rise and fall.

In Cyan Yang Prefecture, apart from a few powerful cultivation clans like the Zhao Family, Zhou Family, Su Family, etc., most secular territories of cultivation clans have been infiltrated and occupied by Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators, becoming a blood feast paradise.

Those cultivation clans inclined towards Cyan Cloud Sect as well as neutral ones could only rely on the Mountain Protection Array of a Tier Two Spirit Vein to barely resist the expansion of the Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators.

As Cyan Cloud Sect and Blood Spirit Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators engage in large-scale battles, many small and medium cultivation clans and a large number of loose cultivators have become cannon fodder in the combat.

Xiao Keyuan forming a crusade army to sweep and crusade against Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators was also a forced move.

If nothing is done, people's hearts will scatter, and leading a team will be impossible.

With only him and a dozen fellow Cyan Cloud Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators, stabilizing the situation in Cyan Yang Prefecture is fundamentally impossible.

What can truly stabilize the situation in Cyan Yang Prefecture are those deeply rooted cultivation clans.

Like the Zhao Family of Tiger Stream Ridge.

It's not about lacking strength.

But unwillingness to charge forward in an unclear situation to avoid pointless loss of clan Foundation Establishment cultivators.

There are many who share this idea with the Zhao Family of Tiger Stream Ridge.

As for the Qi Cultivation clans, loose cultivators, and secular commoners, they can only endure a bit of hardship for now.

After all, they are but expendable resources, endless in supply, growing anew like the spring breeze.

The Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators expand territories, eliminate Qi Cultivation clans, and blood-sacrifice loose cultivators and secular commoners.

The Cyan Cloud Sect cultivators, using the excuse of manpower shortage, selectively defend certain areas, watching the Blood Spirit Sect demon cultivators grow stronger.

Both sides maintain a certain agreement.

After the struggle between Dao and Demon, regardless of who wins or loses.

The number of cultivators in Cyan Yang Prefecture will drastically decrease, and many Spirit Veins will change hands.

"What Saintess Yulan refers to, is it the Talisman Master Shen Xuan who resides long-term with the Su Family of Feiyun Mountain?"

"Yes, it is indeed Shen Xuan. The [Breaking Evil Divine Thunder Talisman] was created by this person."

Wu Yulan sighed lightly.

"This Shen Xuan is a disciple of the Cyan Cloud Sect's True Master. Although not yet converted to True Inheritance, his talisman making skill has reached perfection."

"According to Yulan's knowledge, he can consecutively trigger nine fine Thunder Talismans within a few breaths. The Netherworld Butterfly Mother of the White Bone Sect was killed by him."

"Ah! Ten years ago, the Netherworld Butterfly Mother fell, it was indeed by this person's hand!"

The Netherworld Butterfly Mother was middle-stage Demon Foundation with assistance from magical creatures like the Netherworld Illusion Butterfly, famous in Liang Country.

"To kill the Netherworld Butterfly Mother ten years ago, this Shen Xuan is not to be underestimated."

"Proficient in Thunder Talismans, it is indeed troublesome. Saintess Yulan, do you have a way to deal with him?"

Wu Yulan gave an affectionate smile and softly said: "Fellow Daoists need not worry. Merely an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, albeit with Thunder Talisman mastery, how formidable can he be!"

"To deal with this person, Yulan is certain of victory. However, since Shen Xuan is a disciple of the Cyan Cloud Sect's True Master, if we pursue him relentlessly, it might provoke a direct intervention of the True Inheritance disciple prematurely, which is unfavorable for our cultivation."

"Just offer a reprimand to make them retreat, that's sufficient."

"What Saintess Yulan says is true!"

The dozen demon cultivators all praised loudly.

...

Nangong Family.

Nangong Guang saw Wu Yulan's reply and couldn't help but shake his head.

The confidant demon cultivator beside him asked, "Did that Wu Yulan reject the young master's proposal?"

Nangong Guang smiled.

"Not at all. Wu Yulan is a clever person."

"She asked me to join forces for a direct confrontation with the Cyan Cloud Sect crusade army led by Xiao Keyuan."

"Young master, what does this mean?"

"What does it mean?"

Nangong Guang sneered: "It means she fears I won't exert effort and just reap the benefits!"

"Is it that Wu Yulan and her group fear Xiao Keyuan?"

"What's Xiao Keyuan compared to, a mediocre person, an outcast of the Cyan Cloud Sect!"

A face that sent shivers down Nangong Guang's spine emerged in his mind.

"Wu Yulan and I, our true concern is that hidden Shen Talisman Master!"

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