C1435 Position
C1435 Position
They had their own assignments to fulfill. Lin Xuan's directive was clear: all were to collaborate and swiftly eliminate every member of the East Saint Sect loyal to Sect Master Sun Yan. The Sect Master's faction was well-represented at every level, from the lowest to the highest echelons. In fact, it was the largest faction within the entire East Saint Sect. As the ruling party with the privilege of resource allocation, such a scenario was to be expected. This was not unique to the East Saint Sect; it was a common occurrence across all sects and clans.
However, in the event of a catastrophic downfall and a change in leadership, the ruling faction could potentially be wiped out entirely if not careful. This was something no one anticipated, including the Martial Cultivators of the East Saint Sect themselves. As a dominant power on the Dongyuan Continent, they never imagined facing such a predicament. But Lin Xuan emerged with an unreasonable and terrifying strength capable of dominating the whole of the East Essence, and Sect Master Sun Yan had managed to offend him. Their current plight seemed only fitting.
Sun Yan and the other peak Emperor Level figures of the East Saint Sect were now under siege by Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and the Elemental Spirit. It was up to them to handle the remaining late period and Middle stage Emperor Level Martial Cultivators, along with the numerous lower-level warriors. The task was not particularly challenging. Although their numbers were small, each individual was a high-ranking member of the five major forces, with cultivation reaching the late period of the Emperor Level.
The entire East Saint Sect, lacking any peak Emperor Level cultivators, was utterly outmatched.
The East Saint Sect, on its own, stood no chance against the coalition of the four sects.
Yet, they refrained from wanton slaughter and complete annihilation.
Lin Xuan's intention was merely to eliminate the Sect Master's lineage of the East Saint Sect, not to destroy the sect itself.
Moreover, Wei Zhengzhen, a peak Emperor Level cultivator belonging to the East Saint Sect, was still alive.
Although Wei Zhengzhen might not match Sun Yan in strength, he was undoubtedly a top-tier presence among peak Emperor Level cultivators.
For him, handling late period Emperor Level martial artists was effortless.
Indiscriminate killing within the East Saint Sect would not only potentially draw Lin Xuan's ire but would certainly provoke Wei Zhengzhen.
From then on, they would be marked by Wei Zhengzhen's enmity.
Unless they never left the sect's stronghold or stayed constantly by the side of the sect's Ancestor and Grand Elder, they would risk danger if found alone.
Besides, it's one thing to be a thief in the night; it's quite another to guard against one every night.
Moreover, most of them were not disciples of the East Saint Sect and couldn't identify the internal factional differences.
Thankfully, when Wei Zhengzhen had led warriors from the East Saint Sect to fight alongside the Devil Cloud Sect, the majority were from his own faction.
Several of them were present here.
With their help, it was sufficient.
These individuals might not recognize every member of the East Saint Sect.
However, they could take the lead.
With their own lineage's elders present, the juniors would instinctively know how to act.
"Li Jian, it's your turn," came the call.
Hovering in the sky, the Emperor Level Martial Cultivators surveyed the land from their lofty vantage point.
Zhou Yu Xin, the Hall Master of the Elemental Spirit Hall and former Sect Master, addressed a tall, gaunt elder at his side.
This man was also at level 9 of the Martial Monarch Stage and was the de facto leader among the East Saint Sect's Emperor Level Martial Cultivators.
"Understood," Li Jian replied, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he nodded. Despite the heavy burden, he knew he had to step forward for the sake of his comrades, friends, family, and juniors.
"Martial Brothers and Martial Nephews, our East Saint Sect has reached a pivotal moment. For the sake of your own futures, I implore you to identify the warriors from Sun Yan's faction."
"There's no need for you to lift a finger. Simply point them out."
"I assure you that your lives will be safe, and your statuses will remain unchanged!"
He projected his voice using Emperor Level Pill Essence, the sound waves tangible, resonating throughout the entire region.
As his words dissipated, a restless energy stirred among the countless warriors spread across the vast area below.
Some dispersed in every direction, while others remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed with fear and uncertainty.
"I've suffered at the hands of these people too many times in the past. How can I let them off now?"
Beside him, Di Gaofeng, a burly and towering Emperor Level Martial Cultivator of the East Saint Sect, cursed aloud.
"To those who have oppressed members of Sun Yan's faction, you are free to exact your revenge. Casualties are of no concern. Should you defeat your adversary, bring their identity token to me and claim your reward!"
His words echoed down to the ground, where the situation intensified with even greater unrest.
Li Jian's face was etched with sorrow. He attempted to speak, but no words came out.
"Di Gaofeng, how dare you incite fratricide within our sect? You deserve death!"
Unable to contain their fury, some Emperor Level Martial Cultivators from the East Saint Sect bellowed in outrage.
Transforming into streaks of light, they surged towards Di Gaofeng.
"Zhou Que, you've always been impartial and uninvolved. What's gotten into you today, seeking your own demise?"
Di Gaofeng shook his head, his formidable presence erupting as he confronted the challenge.
"I simply cannot stand by and watch our sect fall into decay," Zhou Que retorted coldly.
He clashed with Di Gaofeng, neither gaining the upper hand.
But suddenly, a loud explosion sounded, and Zhou Que was sent flying, blood spurting from his mouth.
He had been blindsided by another Emperor Level Martial Cultivator not affiliated with the East Saint Sect, who had launched a stealth attack.
"Brother Di, this is Senior Lin's command. Let's not delay any further and finish him off together."
The man let out a sneer, continuing his relentless assault.
Di Gao Feng initially wanted to clarify that Zhou Que was not of Sun Yan's lineage; he was merely standing up for the sect.
But upon hearing those words, he sighed internally and chose to remain silent.
The other party was sincerely acting in the sect's best interest.
It was regrettable, he thought.
Yet, after today, the sect would have to pledge allegiance to Tianyuan Palace. What was the point in resisting?
Ultimately, might makes right.
In the presence of absolute power, all else is an illusion.
To avoid repercussions, he too joined the attack, holding nothing back.
If Lin Xuan took notice, his life would be at risk.
Not even Wei Zhengzhen could save him.
Though Wei Zhengzhen seemed formidable to him, to Lin Xuan, he was merely a replaceable subordinate.
Amidst the onslaught from two equals, Zhou Que's injuries intensified. His complexion turned ghostly pale, and his breath grew faint; he was on the brink of collapse.
Regret consumed him.
He had never imagined that a moment of rashness would cost him his life.
He sought to defend himself, but the opportunity was snatched away.
His combat prowess was average among his peers.
Caught off guard by a sneak attack from another equal, he met his end right there and then.
Chapter 18 – The Death of the Young Master