Chapter 503: Chapter 322 Guess_1
The Elders were also in a difficult position. This was no longer just hearsay but an uproar known to all from the six major sects. If they did not quell the controversy soon, it would certainly escalate to a full scale conflict between the sects.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect frowned, puzzled. “What happened? How did the situation get so out of hand? If a person or two spread rumors, that would be understandable, but how have all six sects come to this?”
“Sect Leader, I think we should leave. Only then can we preserve the opportunity.” One elder voiced his suggestion. Originally, the sect leader had pretended that nothing happened, no one knew he had taken the opportunity. But now that the word had gotten out, they must leave sooner rather than later, otherwise they would be unable to leave.
The Sect Leader was deeply frustrated and reprimanded, “I did not acquire the opportunity. These are just false rumors made by others. Clearly, it is our enemies trying to incite resentment. I suspect it’s the work of the Heavenly Saint Sect. Their schemes are truly malicious.”
“If not, then why do the rumors sound so believable?” The elders were stunned. The rumors didn’t seem to be false at all. After all, almost all disciples of the six major sects knew about them. If someone were really talking nonsense, it wouldn’t be enough to make everyone believe them. Surely someone would realize that it was a lie.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect was utterly perplexed and helpless. He had been unjustly blamed. Now, the Heavenly Sword Sect was in the midst of this controversy, and he had no idea who was responsible. If this matter could not be properly resolved, the entire Heavenly Sword Sect would suffer.
“Issue my command as the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and let other sect disciples know to stop spreading rumors. Otherwise, the Heavenly Sword Sect will certainly hold them accountable. We don’t know anything about the Supreme Treasure left by the Beast King and the Heavenly Saint Daoist. If they continue to slander us like this, the Heavenly Sword Sect will not hesitate to wage war.”
With the Sect Leader’s words, the faces of the elders also changed. Clearly, the Sect Leader was angry, but the arrangement did not seem very appropriate. After all, they could only control their own disciples. How could they command disciples of other sects? Wasn’t this overstepping?
Moreover, it would make others suspect guilt. At this moment, it’s not just about suppressing rumors, but finding a way to prove their innocence. However, since the rumors were first made up by others, how could they prove that they hadn’t taken the opportunity? Especially now that people from almost all of the six major sects are spreading the rumor, they couldn’t find the person with ulterior motives.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect made a helpless gesture and said, “Never mind, you all retreat. I will think about this carefully and communicate with other Sect Leaders. As long as they do not believe the rumors, everything will be fine. It doesn’t matter what the disciples of those Sects think.”
“So the Heavenly Sword Sect is really something! You have managed to keep the Supreme Treasure hidden for so long!” A voice came from outside. Celica Shingo entered the room, followed by other Sect Leaders who had rushed over as soon as they heard about the events of today.
The six major sects came to the Demon Beast Mountain Range, searched for four to five days, and found nothing. Initially, they thought the Supreme Treasure was taken by Wake Shingo’s companion, but with closer scrutiny, many things seemed odd. After all, the remains of the two Saints were nowhere to be found. The one who took the Supreme Treasure must be beyond a Dominator.
Despite having come here together, the Heavenly Sword Sect took a step ahead. The other sects were delayed by an hour, and during that hour, the Heavenly Sword Sect might have taken the opportunity and then pretended that they couldn’t find it. This chain of deceit was exceedingly crafty.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Saint Sect sneered and said curtly, “Hand over the Supreme Treasure. The Heavenly Sword Sect can’t swallow it alone. Moreover, the Heavenly Saint Daoist is an ancestor of the Heavenly Saint Sect. It should be our right to inherit it. If you think you can fool us, I wouldn’t recommend cutting you down right here.”
Even though they were all at the Half-step Saint Seat, the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect was superior. If it were a normal day, they would not dare to speak so bluntly. But now, they were on the same side, fueled with rage. Thus, they indulged themselves and barely tried to conceal their threats.
“I didn’t. All of this is just false rumors spread by others with ulterior motives.” The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect defended. He had thought that they would not believe such rumors, but to his surprise, they came knocking. It was difficult for him to explain, as he clearly had not even caught a glimpse of the opportunity.
“You’re fooling who! Who doesn’t know about this outside?” A few of them were immediately annoyed when they heard this. Despite how far things had gone, the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect was still hiding it. Everyone was here for the opportunity and would stop at nothing to obtain it. If the major sects united against the Heavenly Sword Sect, it would vanish in an instant.
Celica Shingo coughed and said, “Let me say something fair. There’s no need to be so aggressive. I am sure the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect has some difficulties he can’t express. Let’s listen to him explain. After all, the six major sects should unite against a common enemy, and not start internal strife at this time.”
“Brother Shingo is indeed the voice of reason.” The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect was deeply moved, thinking that Celica Shingo was the only one who understood that these were all rumors. However, what Celica Shingo said next left him dumbfounded.
“The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect is the oldest among us and doesn’t have many years left. If he doesn’t obtain the opportunity to reach the Holy Seat and increase his strength, he may soon turn into dust. Therefore, he’s more eager for the opportunity than anyone, which is why he reluctantly deceived everyone.”
Celica Shingo sighed, expressing sympathy, “However, this has nothing to do with our sects. You should obediently hand over the opportunity. We don’t want to use force, and we certainly don’t want to see everyone making enemies. Otherwise, there will be rivers of blood. Think carefully about whether you can bear the consequences.”
“I haven’t…” The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect changed his countenance and was just about to speak when he was interrupted by the others. They all readily agreed with Celica Shingo’s statement, and even felt enlightened. Indeed, his lifespan was nearly over, and in order to seek the opportunity, he would indeed resort to any means necessary.
This was especially true for the Heavenly Saint Sect, which was founded by the Heavenly Saint Daoist himself. They naturally knew how many opportunities the Heavenly Saint Daoist had and they had come to the Demon Beast Mountain Range to seize the Supreme Treasure of the demon beast tribe.
“On behalf of my Blood War Sect, if we don’t get an explanation today, I will lead my thousand disciples to declare war on your Heavenly Sword Sect. After we annihilate you, we will slowly find the opportunity. Everyone wants a share, and you should be aware of your place.”
One of them was particularly short-tempered. Seeing the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect continuously prevaricate and show no intention of surrendering the opportunity, he was already contemplating engaging in a fight. Although the others were not as straightforward, their eyes also revealed killing intent, all hoping the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect would not insist on resisting.
The Sect Leader of the Heavenly Sword Sect gave a wry smile, his killing intent cold and clear the next moment, “These are just divisive tactics used by someone with an ulterior motive. All of you are just a half-step away from the Holy Seat. I hope you won’t be fooled like idiots. If you are determined to proceed this way, the Heavenly Sword Sect is prepared to fight at any moment.”