Hong Tao of the Beast Taming Sect was the first to speak: “The demons have been harassing our human race for a long time; it’s nothing new. Even if the boundary gateway to the Demon Realm has been sealed for over a thousand years, the various demon sects everywhere are like rats in a sewer—impossible to eradicate completely. Killing one is just killing one, and killing a hundred is the same; what is there to fear? We will kill as many as they send!”
Xiao Mohai of the Saint Phoenix Sect added: “That may be so, but once the slaughter begins, it is inevitable that many innocent people will be dragged into it.”
He Lei of the Weapon Refining Sect agreed: “Sect Master Xiao is right. The great war a thousand years ago is still fresh in our memories, with countless casualties. Now that we have finally managed to recuperate and maintain peace, no one wants to see that history repeat itself, right?”
Sun Rende of the Blazing Flame Gate countered: “But we cannot let the wicked ways of the Demon Sect run rampant either! This time, several demon sects joined forces and actually attacked Ruian City! This is right at the doorstep of the Changtian Sect! My Blazing Flame Gate feels humiliated on your behalf. Sect Master Qu, can you really swallow this insult?”
Upon hearing this, Qu Feibai merely chuckled twice, brushed his sleeves, and turned to Sect Master Lu Qian of the Galaxy Sect: “Sect Master Lu, what do you say?”
Lu Qian mused slightly: “Back when the boundary gateway to the Demon Realm was sealed, there were celestial omens indicating that one thousand years later, the gateway would open again. The conflict between the human race and the demon race has been a recurring cycle since ancient times. Now that the demonic energy is growing, our Seven Great Sects should join forces to eradicate the demons. The seal that Sect Master Qu left at the gateway cannot hold for much longer; the most urgent task is to restart the Great Demon-Repelling Array.”
Mo Xiaoxing had been wondering the whole time if her Master was the White Peacock, so she had not been listening carefully while the other Sect Masters were speaking.
Now, hearing the four words “Great Demon-Repelling Array,” she suddenly pricked up her ears!
She knew of the Great Demon-Repelling Array; it was an ancient formation set up by twelve great experts from the Mortal Realm. It was vast and infinitely powerful. When activated, it could cover the entire Yuan Yu Continent, and once any demons arrived to attack, the array could autonomously strike them down!
She gently tugged on Nanshan Lu’s sleeve and whispered: “First Senior Brother, does the Great Demon-Repelling Array really still exist?”
Nanshan Lu lowered his head slightly, seeing his Junior Sister’s watery, star-filled eyes, which were brimming with curiosity. He felt a bit helpless…
She dared to engage in such small gestures even on such a serious occasion.
Nanshan Lu did not speak aloud; he used sound transmission, his voice ringing in Mo Xiaoxing’s mind.
“The Great Demon-Repelling Array has always existed, but it is extremely difficult to activate.”
Mo Xiaoxing also switched to sound transmission: “Why?”
Nanshan Lu: “The Great Demon-Repelling Array has twelve nodes, corresponding to the twelve Earthly Branches. It requires people corresponding to the five elements to activate all twelve nodes simultaneously.”
It didn’t sound that difficult, so Mo Xiaoxing asked with confusion: “What is hard about that?”
Suddenly, Nanshan Lie’s voice cut in: “The twelve great experts who originally set up the array were all Mahayana-stage powerhouses near the point of ascension. To activate the array, one doesn’t necessarily need their level of cultivation, but it cannot be too far off.”
Mo Xiaoxing: “…That is so exaggerated!”
At this moment, Hong Tao also said: “Sect Master Lu, your words are as good as useless! If the Great Demon-Repelling Array could be opened, we would have opened it back when the demon race was at its most rampant! Why wait until today? Where are we going to find twelve Mahayana-stage powerhouses now?”
The Buddha Maiden added: “While activating the Great Demon-Repelling Array is the best method, if it cannot be opened, why waste time?”
Several Sect Masters were not optimistic about this idea.
Qu Feibai, however, said: “Everyone, keep calm. Sect Master Lu, you have never been one to do things without preparation. Since you have proposed this, you must have a way to activate the Great Demon-Repelling Array, right?”
Lu Qian nodded: “That is correct. I do have a way.”
Hearing this, the other Sect Masters were somewhat surprised.
Hong Tao: “What is the method? Tell us quickly!”
Lu Qian: “Over the years, I have been studying the Great Demon-Repelling Array and finally came up with a way that might be feasible. We don’t need Mahayana-stage powerhouses; at each node, we only need to set up a Qiankun Five-Elements Array to channel the heaven and earth’s five-elemental qi, gathering small amounts to create a large one, thereby driving the main formation.”
The group pondered for a moment and couldn’t help but show joy.
Hong Tao laughed loudly: “Hahaha, as expected of Sect Master Lu! To think of such a brilliant method!”
Xiao Mohai: “To set up a Qiankun Five-Elements Array, we need five cultivators with Heavenly Spirit Roots or True Spirit Roots. For twelve nodes, that means sixty disciples.”
The Buddha Maiden: “That is somewhat tricky. While the Seven Great Sects can provide sixty disciples with Heavenly Spirit Roots or True Spirit Roots, such a major undertaking… success would be great, but if it fails, they will inevitably face backlash from the array. How do we ensure their safety?”
Disagreements arose again among the Sect Masters.
Mo Xiaoxing stroked her chin; this method of activating the Great Demon-Repelling Array was indeed very demanding!
Disciples with Heavenly or True Spirit Roots were treasures of each sect—the hope for their future. The Sect Masters naturally wouldn’t gamble them away lightly.
Lu Qian looked at the other Sect Masters and couldn’t help but look at Qu Feibai in the head seat. The latter was propping his head up, listening more than speaking, appearing not at all worried.
“Sect Master Qu, what are your thoughts?”
Hong Tao’s voice boomed: “Sect Master Qu, the Seven Sects Alliance is led by you. We have been talking for a long time; you should say something too!”
Qu Feibai: “Since the six Sect Masters have traveled from afar, I naturally must listen to everyone’s opinions. Since Sect Master Lu is confident in activating the Great Demon-Repelling Array, this method is naturally the most brilliant one. As for whether it succeeds…
On the path of cultivation, there has never been anything entirely certain. In all things, one must go against the heavens. If we don’t put up a fight, how can we gain a chance at survival? In my opinion, there is no need to hesitate; let us activate the Great Demon-Repelling Array. The Changtian Sect can provide twelve disciples.”
The others fell silent for a moment.
Qu Feibai was truly decisive! Moreover, he directly offered twelve disciples; the other six sects only needed to provide eight each.
If they continued to hesitate now, they would look cowardly.
It was just that… even eight people… were very difficult to part with.
Hong Tao gritted his teeth: “Very well. Sect Master Qu is right. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, we must fight! My Beast Taming Sect will also provide eight disciples.”
Lu Qian: “I have been prepared for a long time and can also provide eight disciples.”
The others agreed one after another.
Hong Tao: “Since a resolution has been reached, can we disperse for today?”
The Buddha Maiden: “Wait, there is one more matter. Ruian City was suddenly attacked by the Demon Sect, and the seal to the boundary gateway was broken at the same time. This was a diversionary tactic. Sect Master Qu, this matter must also be clarified, correct?”
Hong Tao sat back down: “That’s right. Ruian City was heavily fortified; how did the Demon Sect manage to break in?”
The Little Jade Immortal had been waiting for a long time; she finally reached this moment and immediately spoke up:
“Responding to my Master and all the Sect Masters, everyone knows that this matter was caused by Qin Yu, a disciple of the Changtian Sect, who colluded with the Demon Crown Prince Qi Chang. She sent out the scroll to break the protective formation of Ruian City in advance, allowing the Demon Sect to charge straight in.”