67: Chapter 66 Family Meeting

At the peak of the main ridge of the Qingya Mountain Range, a majestic assembly hall was faintly visible amidst the swirling clouds and mist.

This building was built on a Foundation of azure boulders, with upturned eaves inlaid with translucent spiritual jade, refracting colorful light under the sun, like a palace in the heavens.

This was the most important meeting place for the Qingya Chen Family, and rarely did anyone dare to cause a disturbance here on ordinary days.

At this moment, however, the assembly hall was filled with a肅殺 (肅殺 - solemn and chilling) atmosphere.

Fifteen Cultivators, dressed in robes of different colors, sat on the long benches on either side, their gazes either stern or worried, each displaying the awe-inspiring dignity of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

On the main seat in the center, a white-haired old man sat upright, holding a jade ruyi in his hand.

The jade ruyi was carved with intricate patterns and was a Magic Treasure, symbolizing the supreme authority of the Chen Family Head.

"Everyone, we are gathered here today to discuss how to deal with the recent sightings of magic Cultivators in the Markets of various spiritual脉 (脉 - veins/ridges)."

Although Clan Leader Chen Yinlong's voice was gentle, the underlying pressure made everyone hold their breath.

Law Enforcement Hall Master Chen Yintian was the first to speak: "Recently, there have been frequent sightings of magic Cultivators in various spiritual lands and Markets.

Even more so, some have set up altars and arranged Blood Fiend formations in our Qingya Mountain Range, slaughtering living beings to refine Blood Fiend Pills.

If such actions are not eradicated in time, the dignity of our Chen Family will be completely lost."

Spirit Plant Hall Master Chen Yin Xuan also said with deep worry: "I believe everyone is already aware of the matter concerning the Soul-Devouring Beetles being scattered throughout the Spiritual Vein Spirit Fields recently.

Coupled with the frequent appearance of magic Cultivators, I think this should be a huge conspiracy targeting our Chen Family, and we must be vigilant."

Pill Hall Master Chen Yin Su furrowed her brows slightly: "What Elder Brother Yin Xuan said is absolutely correct.

Although the Soul-Devouring Beetle is a demonic insect, its power is weak, and there is no need to cultivate it at all.

But that Insect cultivator has released such a large number of insect eggs on a large scale, shaking the Foundation of our Chen Family; this is definitely a conspiracy targeting our Chen Family."

Talisman Hall Master Chen Yin Lu sneered from the side: "This matter is no small matter!

The Spells used by those magic Cultivators are vastly different from ordinary demonic arts, almost as if they have been specially modified.

I suspect..."

"Suspect what?" Clan Leader Chen Yinlong narrowed his eyes slightly, gently tapping the jade ruyi in his hand on the table, producing a crisp sound.

Chen Yin Lu sneered: "I suspect these magic Cultivators are not ordinary rogue magic Cultivators.

Their actions are secretive and bizarre, yet organized.

The Spells they use are vastly different from ordinary demonic arts.

Moreover, nothing substantial can be interrogated from them."

The assembly hall was silent, with only the mountain wind howling outside the window.

"Continue." Chen Yinlong's voice was still gentle, but the cold light in his eyes grew stronger.

Chen Yin Lu stood up resolutely, taking a step forward: "Reporting to the Clan Leader, I suspect there is someone else behind these magic Cultivators, possibly secretly instigated by a certain force.

These magic Cultivators are merely pawns."

As soon as these words were spoken, the assembly hall immediately erupted in discussions.

"Hall Master Yin Lu means... someone wants to use the magic Cultivators to deal with our Chen Family?"

"But recently, no force has had any conflict with our Chen Family..."

"It's not necessarily a force we've had a conflict with, perhaps it's..."

Chen Yin Lu stopped speaking here, and everyone in the hall seemed to have thought of something, and an answer vaguely formed in their hearts.

The Chen Family has been established in the Qingya Mountain Range for 500 years.

At this moment, Artifact Hall Master Chen Yin Yi slammed the table and stood up: "Now is not the time to investigate who is behind this!

The most urgent task is to clean up this batch of magic Cultivators first!"

"Hall Master Yin Yi is right." Chen Yinlong slowly stood up, his white hair gently fluttering in the wind, "These magic Cultivators have set up altars in our Qingya Mountain Range, slaughtering living beings to refine Blood Fiend Pills.

They clearly intend to disrupt the cultivation world of our Qingya Mountain Range and take the opportunity to weaken the Foundation of our Chen Family!"

The assembly hall was silent.

"Blood Fiend Pill..." Pill Hall Master Chen Yin Su spoke softly, "This pill needs to be refined using the flesh and blood of living beings.

After taking it, it can greatly increase cultivation in a short period, but the price is damage to the soul, or even Qi Deviation..."

"Exactly." Chen Yinlong nodded, "These magic Cultivators setting up altars in our Qingya Mountain Range to refine Blood Fiend Pills are clearly trying to recruit a group of low-cultivation rogue magic Cultivators for their use.

Once these people's cultivation greatly increases after taking the Blood Fiend Pill, they will definitely become a serious hidden danger for our Chen Family!"

"Then what should we do?"

"We must eliminate them all!"

"But the magic Cultivators' whereabouts are strange and difficult to capture..."

Discussions rose and fell again in the assembly hall.

Chen Yinlong stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sharp: "Pass down my order!

From today onwards, strengthen patrols!

All Cultivators entering and exiting the Qingya Mountain Range must be thoroughly investigated!

If the Law Enforcement Hall is short on personnel, dispatch Disciples from various halls to assist!

Anyone from the Chen Family can be mobilized!"

"Notify the other Foundation Establishment families affiliated with our Chen Family in the Qingya Mountain Range, and conscript three Qi Refining Ninth Layer Cultivators from each Family to form a temporary law enforcement team, obeying the orders of the Law Enforcement Hall.

In addition, tell them to closely monitor the situation of their own spiritual lands.

If there is any abnormality, report it promptly.

The Law Enforcement Hall is on standby at any time.

Upon discovering traces of magic Cultivators, kill them all, leaving none behind."

"Yes!"

"Besides..." Chen Yinlong turned to look at Talisman Hall Master Chen Yin Lu, "Yin Lu!

Yin Tian, as the Law Enforcement Hall Master, his every move is noticed by others.

And you have always been exceptionally vigilant.

This matter is entrusted to you to investigate!

You must find out who is behind these magic Cultivators!"

Chen Yin Lu cupped his hands and agreed: "I will not fail the Clan Leader's heavy trust!"

"Good." Chen Yinlong nodded with satisfaction, "Artifact Hall, Dan Hall, Talisman Hall, pass down the Family decree!

All Dan Shi, Talisman Masters, and Artifact Refiners within the Chen Family must seize every moment!

Those who refine pills, refine pills!

Those who make talismans, make talismans!

Those who refine artifacts, refine artifacts!

There must not be a single moment of slack!

And give the order!

From the date the decree is issued, the Family contribution points obtained for each completed task will be doubled!"

Following Clan Leader Chen Yinlong's order, the Cultivators in the assembly hall stood up one after another and left the majestic assembly hall with solemn expressions.

In their hearts, they already clearly understood the true root cause of this Family crisis, but they all tacitly agreed not to mention it; it was a taboo belonging to the Chen Family.

Fortunately, the Chen Family's Foundation accumulated over 500 years was sufficient to deal with any crisis, and with the Chen Family united as one, they would surely be able to resolve this crisis.

The taboo topic that no one was willing to mention, however, hung like a sword over their heads, ready to fall at any moment.

Clan Leader Chen Yinlong stood by the window of the assembly hall, looking at the surging sea of clouds in the distance, a trace of deep worry flashing in his eyes.

He knew that this enemy was far more difficult to deal with than imagined.

Just the day after the Clan Leader issued the order, the Law Enforcement Hall discovered a secret base of magic Cultivators in a remote mountain valley in the Qingya Mountain Range.

A pungent smell of blood permeated the air.

The ground was covered with the corpses of slaughtered spiritual beasts and hundreds of Cultivator remains.

There were still fresh bloodstains on the altar.

Chen Yintian stood before the altar, a cold light flashing in his eyes: "The scale of Blood Fiend Pill refinement far exceeds imagination.

These magic Cultivators have been active here for at least three months."