Chapter 85: Dispersion Of Stone Mountain Sect

All the elders who escaped from the Stone Mountain Sect first pilfered the sect's treasury, stuffing their Spatial Pouches with glistening artifacts and precious cultivation resources.

Each Elder harbored the same desperate hope - escape.

They scattered like startled birds, fleeing the grounds of Stone Mountain Sect, seeking refuge in distant lands.

Some sought sanctuary with other righteous sects, offering their experience and knowledge in exchange for a safe haven.

Others chose the solitary path, seeking seclusion and solace in remote corners of the world. The treasures they stole would fuel their cultivation.

Panic rippled through the ranks of the disciples. Confusion gnawed at their minds like a hungry rat. What was to become of them? The once proud Stone Mountain Sect, their haven, had crumbled into dust.

Some, following the lead of the fleeing elders, banded together and set off for other sects, clinging to the hope of a new beginning. Others, paralyzed by fear, remained rooted to the spot, unsure of their next step.

Amidst this chaos, Ye Fan stood as a beacon of hope, or so it seemed. With a practiced charm and a voice dripping with feigned concern, he rallied the remaining disciples. He spoke of the dangers of the demon and the safety that awaited them under the wings of the Azure Peak Sect – a bastion of righteousness and unparalleled strength.

The disciples, desperate for a lifeline, readily grasped at Ye Fan's offer. His reputation as a formidable demon slayer and the Azure Peak Sect's esteemed standing in the cultivation world were undeniable. Here was a promise of protection, a chance to escape the clutches of the demon and rebuild their shattered lives.

One by one, disciples pledged their allegiance, their faces etched with a mixture of hope and trepidation. Among them was Zeng Liuli, one of the three beauties of Stone Mountain, her fiery spirit dimmed by the recent tragedy. Ye Fan, basking in the adulation of the crowd, savored the attention and the subtle glances cast his way by the female disciples.

His dark heart swelled with a twisted satisfaction.

However, a flicker of annoyance marred his triumph. Two of the three beauties, Shi Feiyan and Mao Caiwei, had inexplicably vanished. He searched for them, a flicker of annoyance igniting within him.

He envisioned them gracing the halls of the Azure Peak Sect.

Little did he know that Shi Feiyan was already on her way to the Emerald Sea Palace, which is another one of the top five righteous sects. She was drawn by its focus on water and wood elements, which seemed like a perfect fit for her cultivation path.

Mao Caiwei, on the other hand, possessed a different ambition. She ventured towards the legendary Jade Lotus Palace. This all-female sect, known for its unwavering strength and diverse range of experts, held a distinct allure.

Not only did it boast cultivators adept in all five fundamental elements – fire, wood, water, metal, and earth – but also masters of variant elements like wind, ice, and more.

Furthermore, the Jade Lotus Palace held an unmatched reputation for its expertise in alchemy, pill formation, and array formations. The prospect of honing her skills under such esteemed guidance attracted her to this sect. Also, Mao Caiwei was very sure of her talent and believed that she could pass the entrance examination of this Jade Lotus Palace sect.

Unbeknownst to Ye Fan, these two women, driven by their own ambitions and a healthy dose of skepticism, had chosen a path independent of his control.

Oblivious to their destinations, Ye Fan led the throng of disciples towards the Azure Peak Sect.

He spoke of the dangers posed by the unknown demon, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and unwavering faith.

New wards were inscribed on the temple walls, shimmering with a golden light that pulsed with protective energy.

Training sessions intensified, with monks honing their martial arts skills and practicing defensive formations.

The news hit minor sects with a different kind of panic. Resources were scarce, and the cost of reinforcing formations and acquiring talismans was a heavy burden.

Sect Leaders huddled in smoky chambers, their faces etched with worry as they debated the allocation of their limited resources. Some, desperate for protection, sent out pleas for aid to nearby major sects, offering tribute in exchange for patrols or guidance in strengthening their defenses.

Even small cultivation families felt the ripples of the news.

Family Heads, stern men and women with weathered faces, convened emergency meetings.

Talented alchemists were pressed to produce more healing pills and defensive elixirs. Young cultivators, usually focused on their personal advancement, were drilled in basic defensive techniques.

Fear of the unknown demon spurred these families to improve their preparedness, their usual rivalry momentarily forgotten.

The news reached the Xia Family Manor nestled amidst verdant hills.

Wang Li read the report with a sigh.

He had warned Sect Leader Huang about Ye Fan, but alas, his message had fallen on deaf ears.

The news painted a clear picture – Ye Fan had exploited the Stone Mountain Sect's vulnerability, swelling the ranks of the Azure Peak Sect with their displaced disciples.

"Clever move," Wang Li muttered while letting out a sigh. This act of "rescuing" the disciples would undoubtedly earn Ye Fan considerable favor from the Azure Peak Sect. His master, Elder Hu, would likely see a significant rise in his own standing within the Azure Peak Sect hierarchy.

With a resigned sigh, Wang Li made his way to the Council Room. Today marked the arrival of envoys from various cultivation families with whom Xia Bingling had engaged in discreet communication.

The heavy oak doors of the Xia Family Council Room creaked open, admitting six figures clad in the vibrant silks of prominent cultivation families. Their faces were etched with apprehension.

The air hung heavy with anticipation within the Xia Family Council Room.

Six figures, envoys from prominent cultivation families, sat across from the imposing figure of Matriarch Xia Bingling.

However, it was not the Matriarch who spoke first, but a cloaked figure sitting beside her shrouded in an aura of mystery while his face was obscured by a White Eagle Mask.

This was Wang Li, his keen intellect veiled only by the mask, ready to play his part in the delicate dance of negotiation.