https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-305-Three-Sects-Form-an-Alliance-Annihilating-the-Moonlight-Sect-Part-2-/12965049/
Chapter 306: The Sect's Crisis (Part 1)
Chapter 306: The Sect's Crisis (Part 1)
Two days later, a sense of calmness enveloped the Bright Moon Sect.
The crisis from a few days ago had swiftly ended due to Lu Ming's sudden rise.
Lu Ming once again proved himself and gained the trust of everyone.
Whether it was the elders or the disciples, they all believed that as long as Elder Lu Ming was present, the Bright Moon Sect would have nothing to worry about, even if Ji Haoyue wasn't around.
Lu Ming was indeed impressive.
In the past few days, he had been diligently refining pills.
And he was refining pills specifically for the elders.
All kinds of pills were available, from cultivation pills to enhance one's strength, burst pills, and healing pills.
At least, they were all seventh-grade pills.
In fact, most of them were eighth-grade pills.
On this day, Lu Ming handed the pills to the elders, and at that moment...
The elders were almost moved to tears.
They were deeply touched!
And...
They had been waiting for this moment for too long.
From the moment Lu Ming entered the sect, they had been eagerly anticipating this day, waiting for Lu Ming to refine high-quality pills for them.
However, due to various reasons, they had never gotten to taste them.
Occasionally, they would get to consume one or two pills, but they were only a mere two or three pills, not even enough to fill the gaps between their teeth.
Although Lu Ming wasn't intentionally withholding the pills, and there were various reasons, they could understand).
But...there was still some regret.
Today, however, Lu Ming had given each of the elders three bottles, at least dozens of pills.
The elders who received the pills had trembling hands.
"Lu..."
"Elder Lu."
The Second Elder's face turned red, and he couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this...too tiring for you?"
"Actually, there's no need to rush. We old fellows have endured for so many years, and a little more time won't make much difference."
"Yes, Elder Lu."
The other elders also chimed in.
Although...
The pills were indeed fragrant, and everyone wanted them, but they couldn't treat Elder Lu like a donkey and order him around, right?
He would get tired!
We need to consider the long-term development.
If we exhaust him, what would happen in the future?
"No problem," Lu Ming said seriously. "I'll bear the burden. After all, enhancing the sect's strength is crucial."
"Moreover, I've been feeling a bit restless these past few days."
"Although we defeated the Blazing Sun Divine Palace's offensive, I sense they won't give up so easily. I fear they will regroup and launch another attack."
"Furthermore, if they know our strength and still dare to attack, then..."
"...we might not be able to withstand them."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed.
The Second Elder forced a smile and said, "No...it won't be like that, right?"
"Elder Lu's might is unparalleled. If they come again, won't they be delivering their heads to us?"
"Although I possess some strength, I'm still only a seventh-stage cultivator," Lu Ming sighed. "Against one or two, or even three to five eighth-stage peak experts, I might have a chance."
"But what if there are dozens or hundreds of them?!"
"Sword Twenty-Three is indeed powerful, but I can't restrain so many experts at once."
"If we do that, they won't even need to break free. It would only take an instant, and Sword Twenty-Three would be broken. Moreover, I might suffer backlash and severe injuries."
Lu Ming sighed again, "Not only that..."
"Sword Twenty-Three consumes an enormous amount of energy."
"How many times can I use it?"
"Furthermore, although my offensive power is strong, my defense is no different from an ordinary seventh-stage cultivator. Strictly speaking, if given the chance, any one of you could instantly kill me."
Lu Ming paused, his face filled with seriousness. He continued, "Before, I didn't want to dampen the disciples' morale, so I didn't publicly announce these concerns."
"But you are all core members of the sect, and you're family. I can't hide this from you."
"We must view the situation objectively and not have even the slightest bit of carelessness, or else, a major disaster might occur."
"This..."
The Second Elder's expression turned grave.
The other elders nodded in agreement, but for a moment, they didn't know what to say.
"Therefore, we must prepare for the rain before it pours," Lu Ming said with a sigh.
"We must take precautions!"
"Everyone, please prepare these pills. When the opportunity arises, take them to enhance your cultivation and break through."
"As for healing and burst pills..."
"I just hope that in a short time..."
"...we won't need to use them."
"Otherwise, it will prove that my guess was correct, and we..."
"...the entire Bright Moon Sect will be in deep trouble and unable to escape!"
"Elder Lu's words are reasonable!"
The Second Elder stood up, the first to express his agreement and support.
At this moment, he truly seemed like Lu Ming's number one follower, agreeing and supporting whatever Lu Ming said.
"We must not be careless. We must..."
Boom!
Before he could finish his sentence, a violent tremor accompanied by a powerful attack suddenly struck the Bright Moon Sect.
"Enemy attack!!!"
The sentinel disciples' cries, amplified by the formation array, echoed throughout the sect.
At the same time, the stewards and elders' faces changed drastically.
"The Sect Protection Array is under attack!"
"The opponent is strong and numerous!"
"The formation array...has already suffered minor damage."
"What?!"
The elders were shocked and pale.
"Is it too late?" Lu Ming stood up, his expression grim.
"I guessed this day would come, but I never imagined it would arrive so quickly."
Everyone's scalp tingled as they looked at Lu Ming.
The Second Elder, who always gave face to everyone, immediately said, "Sect Master, give the order!"
"What should we do?"
"Yes, Sect Master, give the order!"
The crowd chimed in.
Lu Ming took a deep breath, "Since things have come to this... I won't shirk responsibility anymore."
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The ground shook, and the formation array roared continuously. Lu Ming spoke rapidly, issuing commands, "Elderly ones, listen up!"
"Immediately activate the Sect Protection Array to its fullest extent. Don't hesitate or be stingy with its usage. Open it as wide as possible and for as long as possible!"
"Additionally, send an Elder to repair the array. Even if there's a tiny flaw, fix it!"
"Also, gather all other Elders and disciples to prepare for battle!"
"But remember, don't venture too far from the array's range, or else..."
"We might not make it in time to rescue you!"
"First Elder, I..."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
After giving these orders, everyone showed respect and agreed, but...
As they rushed out of the meeting hall, they saw the attackers clearly—a vast number of Eighth Realm experts. Their scalps went numb.
"So many people!"
"Why are there so many?"
"They're from the Blazing Sun Divine Palace, the Star Sea Alliance... Damn, why are there people from the Shadow Demon Palace too?"
"Wait, there are also many... Loose Cultivators and Demons??"
"What??"
"No, there are more people gathering, and their numbers are increasing!"
"Damn it! Damn it!"
Everyone's faces turned pale.
They were shocked and horrified.
The Bright Moon Sect was indeed powerful, having stood for several hundred thousand years. Especially in the last hundred thousand years, it had become increasingly stronger.
Now, they were just a step away from becoming a top-tier powerhouse. If Ji Haoyue could successfully break through this time, the Bright Moon Sect would undoubtedly be a genuine top-tier sect.
But...
Strength also had its limits.
Just because the Bright Moon Sect was strong, didn't mean others were weak. The Blazing Sun Divine Palace, the Star Sea Alliance, and the Shadow Demon Palace—none of them were much weaker than the Bright Moon Sect, and they might not be weaker at all.
If it came down to a fight, it was uncertain who would live and who would die.
Moreover, these three forces had joined forces, and there were also many Loose Cultivators and Demons.
This was clearly a plot to destroy our sect!
The Second Elder's face twitched, and he used his secret art to sense the situation and try to contact potential helpers. However..."
After a brief attempt, his face changed. "Damn it, these guys are well-prepared. They've already set up isolation barriers and formations, and currently, messages can't be sent out."
"Our only option now is to rely on the formation array to hold out and wait for the Old Sect Master to return. Perhaps then we'll have a glimmer of hope..."
Alright.
Ji Haoyue had directly become the Old Sect Master.
And he had no idea about it.
"The situation is dire!"
At this moment, the First Elder spoke with a grim face, "A few days ago, the Old Sect Master sent me a message through a telepathic jade talisman."
"The message was brief, and the content was..."
"He had fallen into an ambush!"
"After that, I couldn't contact him at all."
"What?!"
Everyone turned to him, their faces pale and scalps tingling. "Why didn't you tell us sooner? Why didn't you tell us sooner?!"
"I..."
The First Elder smiled bitterly, "This matter is of great importance. If I had spoken up, it would have been easy to cause panic. Moreover, considering that Lu... Lu Sect Master is here, I didn't inform anyone."
"However, I'm also by my concern for the Old Sect Master. Even now, his life talisman shows no issues, so I..."
Upon hearing this, everyone finally felt a bit relieved.
But the Second Elder still stared at the First Elder with suspicion.
If it weren't for the Old Sect Master's life talisman being fine, he would have suspected the First Elder of being a traitor!
Otherwise, how could he not even inform them about such a matter?
However...
While the First Elder was speaking, the other Elders were still uneasy. They sent out their divine consciousness to sense the state of the Sect Master's life talisman.
It was better not to look.
But when they did...
Crack!
The Old Sect Master's life talisman suddenly cracked, and the entire talisman dimmed!
"Not good!"
"The Old Sect Master is in trouble!"
The Second Elder's expression changed drastically.
The other Elders also sensed this, and everyone's hearts sank.
This was a major crisis!
This situation clearly indicated that the Old Sect Master had suffered severe injuries. Although he was still alive, his condition was dire.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
The Second Elder roared.
"Currently, we're surrounded and can't contact anyone."
"Moreover, why did the Old Sect Master, with his formidable strength, get severely injured at this moment when we're trapped?!"
He glanced at the First Elder, whose face had turned pale.
Could it be...
Is the First Elder really a traitor?
Damn it!
There's such a thing!
What should we do now?
For a moment, the Second Elder was at a loss.
The Bright Moon Sect was surrounded by so many Eighth Realm experts. They couldn't withstand the assault and could only rely on the formation array to turtle up.
They had originally hoped that the Old Sect Master would break through and come to their rescue, but now, the Old Sect Master was in danger himself, and there was no way to send help from the sect...
Suddenly, he saw Lu Sect Master deep in thought, his face dark. Fearing that Lu Sect Master would mistake the First Elder for a traitor, he quickly sent a telepathic message.
"Lu Sect Master."
"I suspect..."
"The First Elder is a traitor!"
Lu Ming: "???"
What?
Lu Ming was stunned.
He looked at the Second Elder, and through divine consciousness, he replied, "This... it's unlikely, right?
"The First Elder has served our Bright Moon Sect for many years, enduring hardships and making great contributions. He has fought and bled for the sect..."
"I'm aware of all that you've mentioned, and I understand it even better than you. But who's to say that fighting and bleeding for the sect would turn someone into a traitor?"
"Let me explain it to you."
"It's too much of a coincidence..."
The Second Elder began his analysis, and it made perfect sense.
Lu Ming almost believed it! It was so reasonable!
It was incredibly convincing!
He was truly stunned by this revelation. "Then... what should we do?"
"The First Elder has been in the sect for many years, and he has many loyal followers..."
"I share your concerns. At this moment, we must not stir up trouble, and potential chaos within our sect. If we don't handle this carefully, it may become an irreversible situation."
"In my opinion, we should inform everyone that the First Elder might be a traitor. When you give the order, we should also maintain a facade while secretly making our moves."
"Only by doing so might we have a glimmer of hope."
"..." Lu Ming nodded in deep agreement. "It seems that for now, we can only follow the Second Elder's suggestion."
"However, the current situation is highly unfavorable for us. If we continue like this, I fear..."
"There's no way out!"
"Indeed, we are too passive. How... what should we do?" The Second Elder was also at a loss.
He was more worried than anyone else.
After all, he had already deeply believed that the First Elder was a traitor.
From his perspective, it was a crisis both internally and externally, and the tension was unprecedented.
"For now, for now..."
He muttered, but he couldn't seem to find a solution.
Lu Ming prompted, "First, inform the other elders that the First Elder might be a traitor."
"..."
"Alright," the Second Elder responded after a moment's thought, "but there's also the possibility that we don't know if there are other traitors, or if the First Elder's followers have turned against us."
"So, for now, we can only temporarily exclude the First Elder and his followers. This..."
Alright!
Now, the problem had truly become more significant!
After analyzing the situation, it became clear that their side had fewer people, while the opposing side had more.
Lu Ming replied solemnly, "We will follow your plan, Second Elder. This matter... I entrust it to you."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
The Second Elder immediately took action, informing the other elders.
But...
Upon learning this, the elders were all stunned.
"A traitor?"
"Who?"
"How... how is that possible?"
At this moment, they all wanted to curse.
Damn it!
Are you crazy?
"Second Elder, are you out of your mind?"
"You say the First Elder is a traitor, but why not say that we are the traitors instead? The First Elder holds a position of great importance in any sect or power. To be a First Elder is already proof of their integrity!"
"It's impossible, don't talk nonsense!"
"..."
The Second Elder sighed, "I know it's hard to accept, but listen to me."
"People can change!"
"And the timing is too coincidental. Such a coincidence is rare!"
After further analysis, everyone fell silent.
You're not wrong.
The Second Elder's analysis was indeed reasonable!
At least, for a moment, they couldn't find words to refute.
In the end, it was the Third Elder who found it unlikely, furrowing his brows. "There's no evidence."
"What about the motive?"
"The First Elder is second only to the Sect Master, above countless others. With his status, why would he need to be a traitor?"
"For personal gain?"
"Isn't the Bright Moon Sect enough for him?"
"Second only to the Sect Master, above countless others?"
The Second Elder hadn't thought about the motive, but now he was reminded.
He immediately responded, "Well said. The motive is indeed a problem."
"But the issue lies with your words."
"Second only to the Sect Master, above countless others? That was true before, but now, the Sect Master's strength and status have risen significantly."
"And one of his disciples was a top candidate for the next Sect Master, wasn't he?"
"That disciple has a high chance of becoming the next Sect Master!"
"We all believe so. And once successful, he would be above countless others, perhaps even without anyone above him. Even the Sect Master would have to listen to him!"
"But now, the Sect Master has risen unexpectedly, becoming the undisputed new Sect Master. He..."
"Could it be that he became a traitor out of resentment? Is that hard to understand?"
The more the Second Elder spoke, the more he believed he was wrong.
The more he analyzed, the more he felt he had uncovered the truth!
"Think about it. The Sect Master's journey to the Nine Heavens Peak to seek a breakthrough, how confidential was that?"
"Only we elders knew about it!"
"It couldn't have been the Sect Master who revealed it!"
"In other words..."
"Among us elders, there must be a traitor and an insider!"
"Since there's already one traitor among the elders, why can't it be the First Elder? Why do you think that only I or you, as elders, could be traitors, but not the First Elder?"
"Everyone..."
"Fck!"
Elder Two's words made sense!
Damn it, I'm not the Water Skipping Stone, but anyone else... is possible!
Why can't it be Elder One?
Moreover, everything is indeed too bizarre and too coincidental.
It's not impossible!
Elder Two's analysis was spot-on, from the motive to the timing, feasibility, and various supporting evidence.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
