C1447 Rewards and Punishments
C1447 Rewards and Punishments
Within the pale violet shield, Tan Gaoyi, the leader, scrutinized Yang Mao. His gaze shifted between the light purple formation plate in his hand and the fabric of his robe, which bore the imposing aura of the Emperor Level's pinnacle. The expressions of sorrow that once marred the faces of his followers had nearly vanished upon hearing Yang Mao's words. Now, all eyes were intently fixed on Tan Gaoyi.
Feeling the shift in the atmosphere, Tan Gaoyi's aura began to stir. He could no longer afford to waver. With a grave expression, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The consequences of indecision were too severe, and no one could shield him from them. He declared, "I am prepared to lead the entire Purple Cauldron Sect in pledging ourselves to Elder Lin. From this day forward, the Purple Cauldron Sect will serve as a branch under the auspices of Tianyuan Palace."
He was acutely aware that if he continued to hesitate, he wouldn't need Yang Mao or anyone else to intervene. His own disciples and trusted allies would likely turn against him, driven by the imminent threat to their lives and the lives of their families and descendants. Loyalties were shifting among those who had once been steadfast.
"Excellent, Senior Brother. The mark of a true sage is to recognize the turning tide. I was concerned you might be too obstinate," Yang Mao responded, visibly relieved. His efforts had not been in vain, and his mission was accomplished.
He then stowed the light purple formation plate and the fragment of his robe, requesting, "Please open a passageway in the sect's protective barrier, Senior Brother." Though the formation plate he possessed was capable of this, the gesture remained necessary.
Ultimately, it would require more time and effort.
If Tan Gaoyi were to use the official command to contest control of the sect,
it could cause irreversible and severe damage to the sect's protective grand array.
Even after pledging allegiance to Lin Xuan, the entire Purple Cauldron Sect would become a subordinate branch of Tianyuan Palace.
However, this doesn't mean the whole sect would relocate and establish a new sect area.
It's more like what the Elemental Spirit Sect and East Saint Sect did—changing the name while remaining on their original land.
The only difference is that the sect's protective grand array would be under Lin Xuan's control.
Above the sect, there would now be a Supreme Emperor.
In reality, for the mid and lower-tier martial artists, there would be little to no change or impact.
In fact, there could be numerous advantages.
With the biggest threat, the Devil Cloud Sect, eliminated,
the unification of the remaining five sects meant that even though they retained autonomy, the barriers between them were significantly reduced.
If one wished to practice the martial arts of another sect, the likelihood of doing so had greatly increased.
Resource sharing and mutual support would bring obvious benefits.
Since autonomy was maintained, the sect's protective formation was still necessary and needed to be as flawless as possible.
Though Lin Xuan's strength and mastery of array formations were both formidable,
he could easily repair any damage.
But it's best to avoid troubling Lin Xuan if possible.
He was someone they could not afford to provoke.
One misstep could be life-threatening.
"Alright!"
Tan Gaoyi nodded, acknowledging that once a decision was made, there was no room for hesitation.
Without delay, he produced a formation plate that appeared identical to the one Yang Mao held, except that it emitted a more intense purple glow.
As he channeled Pill Essence into it and began to manipulate the plate,
*Crack! Crack!*
the sound of splitting echoed.
A pale purple protective shield, resembling an inverted jade bowl, slowly formed a massive, several-dozen-meter-wide fissure at its apex.
Yang Mao watched the opening with a look of satisfaction.
Then, Tan Gaoyi's voice once again filled the air.
"Junior brother, from this moment forward, the Purple Cauldron Sect is in your hands."
"Senior brother, I'm feeling a bit weary. I'd like to take a rest."
Yang Mao's expression shifted, followed by a wry smile:
"Of course."
He realized their relationship had reached a breaking point.
Regardless, it was he who had pressured Tan Gaoyi into this corner. The outcome was predictable, yet he hadn't anticipated it arriving so swiftly.
The senior members of the Purple Cauldron Sect, at the late period of the Martial Monarch Stage, standing behind Tan Gaoyi, all displayed a change in their demeanor upon hearing the news.
They wanted to speak, yet found themselves at a loss for words.
Should Tan Gaoyi relinquish control of the Purple Cauldron Sect to Yang Mao, their status and access to resources would be significantly diminished.
Yang Mao had his own followers, whose cultivation levels were on par with theirs.
Would those resources not be distributed among his own allies, rather than to these outsiders?
But they too had played a role in this outcome.
Their impatience had covertly coerced Tan Gaoyi into his decision.
Now, they were witnessing the rapid consequences of their actions.
At this point...
It seemed to be Tan Gaoyi's way of exacting revenge.
Cause and effect.
They had no choice but to accept the bitter consequences.
Let it be.
If preserving their own lives, as well as those of their disciples, sect members, kin, and lineage meant paying a price, then so be it.
"Senior brother, please accompany me to meet with the Hall Master."
Yang Mao inhaled deeply before speaking.
"Mm."
Tan Gaoyi responded.
Subsequently,
Yang Mao led the warriors toward the Emperor Level High-grade Flying Ship hovering above.
They halted at a spot slightly below Lin Xuan.
"Hall Master, I have successfully completed the mission!"
"Junior Tan Gaoyi pays his respects to you, Senior. I am ready to lead the entire Purple Cauldron Sect in our allegiance to you.
I apologize for any previous delays."
Yang Mao and Tan Gaoyi spoke in turn.
"If you have pledged your loyalty, you bear no guilt."
Lin Xuan stated calmly.
"Here is your reward for this mission."
With that, Lin Xuan gestured, and a black and red broadsword, radiating the aura of the Emperor Level, soared towards Yang Mao.
It was a gift from Mo Ying, the Sect Master of the Devil Cloud Sect.
When pushed to its limits, it could even unleash a sliver of the profound power of the Mysteries.
This Spirit weapon was clearly superior to those used by other peak Emperor Level practitioners across the Dongyuan Continent.
"Thank you, Hall Master."
Yang Mao took the black and red blade, feeling the overwhelming power coursing through it, and his face lit up with joy.
With this blade, he had truly surpassed his senior brother, becoming the most powerful member of the Purple Cauldron Sect.
Wei Zhengzhen and the others couldn't help but feel envious.
They understood that Lin Xuan was setting an example for them.
Yet, that was enough to make them green with envy.
With the black and red blade in hand, Yang Mao's strength had ascended to a new level, posing a threat to them.
"From this moment on, the Purple Cauldron Sect shall be a subsidiary of Tianyuan Palace!"