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Chapter 228: The Price That Must Be Paid
Chapter 228: The Price That Must Be Paid
When Sun Xuerong mentioned the Supreme Elder, Grandmaster Taiwu's expression turned even more stern.
"Fifth Elder, if you have a better solution, speak up. Don't just criticize without offering alternatives."
"If there's a way to resolve this Earth Demon Plague and improve our scouting capabilities, why would I need to offer the Heavenly Blossom Fruit?" Grandmaster Taiwu added.
Sun Xuerong seemed to sense Grandmaster Taiwu's anger. She almost spoke but swallowed her words.
"The Beast Tide is indeed more severe than the Earth Demon Plague. But dealing with the Beast Tide crisis isn't as challenging as managing the Earth Demon situation."
"You elders have dealt with the Earth Demons before. Can't you see that?" Grandmaster Taiwu said, causing the Second Elder beside him to hesitate.
The Second Elder finally spoke up, "Sect Leader, the Heavenly Blossom Fruit is no ordinary item; it's a rare treasure. Using it to get a disciple to come forward might be a bit wasteful. Let's wait and see if we can resolve this Earth Demon Plague ourselves."
After the Second Elder finished speaking, the other elders nodded in agreement.
They didn't know much about 'Chen Su', so they didn't take him too seriously.
Sending out the Heavenly Blossom Fruit, the elders seemed reluctant to part with it.
"Then, elders, proceed with your plans according to your own ideas. If the issue remains unresolved, there will be no objections to my arrangements." Grandmaster Taiwu glanced at everyone and didn't argue further.
After the discussion in the tent, the elders went to find Xia Kun and Zhao Li to make arrangements.
Meanwhile, Grandmaster Taiwu had already sent someone to the Eagle Sect again.
He approached the task systematically, first offering a small reward to test the waters.
If 'Chen Su' could be persuaded to show up without the Heavenly Blossom Fruit, that would be ideal.
During these days, Su Chen spent a lot of time studying the Nine Turns Mechanism Art.
The book contained numerous mechanisms that looked simple, but crafting them was a complex task.
One particular mechanism was called the Wooden Tail Plate.
At first glance, it seemed ordinary, with no apparent mystery.
But upon closer inspection, it was covered in tiny hooks.
When set up, these plates would leave traces of demons passing by, catching even the smallest hairs.
With these plates, it would be easy to tell where demons had been, as even ordinary people could find some clues.
With the help of his Crafting Prodigy Destiny, Su Chen spent a day crafting over a hundred of these plates.
He had them delivered to the frontlines.
With these Wooden Tail Plates, it would be easy to tell where demons had passed, and he could find out without having to be there himself.
After finishing this task, Su Chen felt that his Sixth Stage strength had become more stable.
With some free time, he decided to practice his knife techniques.
During his encounter with Yin Nanyi, he had been ambushed by the National Protectors.
He had used the Night Sky Blade Technique.
That strike made Su Chen feel that his strength had reached a level where he could continue refining his skills.
The second move of the Nine Heavens Blade Technique was called the Purple Sky Blade Technique.
Ascending into the purple sky, the blade descends, shaking all creation.
As Su Chen tried to practice this move, he felt the surrounding atmosphere become heavy before he even executed it.
He quickly retracted his blade.
Su Chen worried that his mother and younger sister, who hadn't cultivated martial arts, might find it difficult to even breathe under such pressure.
After saying goodbye to them, Su Chen left the city to find a quiet place.
He practiced the Purple Sky Blade Technique again.
Compared to the Night Sky Blade Technique, its might and power didn't surpass it by much.
But when Su Chen tried to execute this move, he felt as if his body had become lighter.
It was as if only the long knife in his hand had any weight.
In the next moment, he swung the knife with overwhelming force.
The power of the strike seemed to transform into a flood, rushing forward.
A nearby tree shattered, not split in two, but truly broken into pieces.
Even though Su Chen had reached the Sixth Stage, he still felt weak and exhausted after executing this move.
He wondered what kind of physique would be needed to use this blade technique freely.
The end of the year was approaching, and Celestial Capital began decorating, bringing a festive atmosphere to the city.
This year, Su Chen's family could gather in Celestial Capital to celebrate the New Year together.
Meanwhile, the situation in the Yunyang Sect was becoming more complicated.
The Earth Demon Plague had been kept a secret from the front-line disciples.
To maintain morale, only the high-ranking members of the Yunyang Sect and the Hall Masters knew about it.
Even some Hall Masters were unaware, and only a few core front-line Hall Masters had heard of it.
But on the previous day, a front-line disciple had discovered the Earth Demon.
The ground demon stood motionless not far from the defensive line, its sinister gaze fixed on the crowd.
Many had seen the ground demon, and within half a day, news of it spread throughout the entire front line.
Just as morale was stabilizing, it plummeted in an instant, leaving everyone in a state of panic.
The elders' strategies seemed to have failed in dealing with the demon.
Upon receiving the news, Grandmaster Taiwu and several elders rushed to the front line.
With the elders' reassurance, the front-line disciples temporarily calmed down.
Additionally, several Hall Masters were urgently dispatched to guard the front line.
Inside the tent, Grandmaster Taiwu, five elders, and five Hall Masters gathered.
The elders' plans had completely failed.
At this point, it was impossible to leave the front line of Yunyang Sect.
This ground demon even intimidated the crowd by merely showing its face, shattering the disciples' morale.
Within the tent, Grandmaster Taiwu decided to retreat the defensive line once more.
After this retreat, the front-line defenses would be just fifty li from the sect.
"Sect Leader, retreating the defense line is no small matter. Should we reconsider?" asked Hall Master Xia, seemingly unable to accept another retreat.
As the front line of Tiangang City advanced, Yunyang Sect was still retreating.
Grandmaster Taiwu waved his hand, allowing the Hall Masters to leave and prepare for the retreat as instructed.
After the Hall Masters left, Grandmaster Taiwu continued with the main discussion.
"The actions of that ground demon are a message for us. It's not targeting the front-line disciples; it's forcing us to deploy the Hall Masters." Grandmaster Taiwu spoke with a solemn expression.
The elders frowned, realizing the intent behind the demon's actions.
This ground demon didn't even consider consuming martial artists of the Seventh or Eighth Stage.
Its target was the Hall Masters of Yunyang Sect, the Fifth Stage martial artists.
"These beasts are using us as tools for their advancement!" the Great Elder cursed angrily.
Grandmaster Taiwu didn't want the elders to dwell on these matters.
"What we need now is a response, to eliminate this ground demon completely.
If a Hall Master falls, it won't just be a matter of face.
Great Zhou's scrutiny will escalate to the highest level."
"According to the elders, the front-line issues remain unresolved.
Let's follow the Sect Leader's plan without question."
The elders' strategies couldn't stop the demons.
Grandmaster Taiwu had already planned to address the front-line situation and was ready to implement it.
Noticing the elders' presence, Grandmaster Taiwu took the opportunity to inquire about the recent recruitment of disciples.
"The situation is worse than we imagined. Many young people in Tiangang City aspire to join, but the city hasn't raised its recruitment standards.
They accept anyone who meets the requirements.
Conservatively, Tiangang City will recruit five hundred disciples this year.
In comparison, we might only recruit fifty."
Hearing the Great Elder's words, Grandmaster Taiwu's face showed a hint of anger.
Tiangang City was recruiting five hundred, taking away potential disciples from Yunyang Sect.
"Tiangang City is overstepping, and we won't hold back.
Arrange to send a message. Isn't Su Chen considered powerful?
Isn't Yunyang Sect criticized for letting him go?
Since that's the case, let him face Xingwan or Jianyun in a three-move challenge.
If he can withstand three moves without defeat, Yunyang Sect will admit its mistake in judgment.
If we don't respond, it seems we're acknowledging our own issues!"
Grandmaster Taiwu felt this counterattack wasn't enough.
"Here's what we'll do.
From now on, if Xingwan or Jianyun encounters Su Chen in public, they will immediately engage him.
As a Heaven's Talent, Su Chen should at least withstand one move.
Su Chen, by colluding with Tiangang City to slander Yunyang Sect, must bear the consequences.
This will also serve as a warning to others not to act maliciously.
At the very least, they should have basic moral conduct!"
Hearing this, the elders expressed hidden concerns.
"Tiangang City's reaction might be intense."
Grandmaster Taiwu humphed:
"Let's clarify that this is a punishment for Su Chen.
He took credit and caused trouble in Yunyang Sect.
These punishments are long overdue."
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(End of Chapter)
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