137: Chapter 137 Clearing Out the Monsters

Hu Nan nodded slightly, exchanged pleasantries with everyone, and then sat on a chair to the side.

Jiang Lijuan sat upright at the side of the main seat, her gaze slowly sweeping over those present, and she spoke first: "Today is the annual gathering of our Heavenly Sword Sect's Foundation Establishment Cultivators."

"In the past, we have each been in closed-door cultivation or out gaining experience, so it is rare to have the Opportunity to gather together. Today, taking this Opportunity, firstly, it is to let everyone communicate with each other, and secondly, I invite everyone to speak about the various matters within the Sect over the past year. If you have any insights on how to Cultivate, feel free to bring them out for Sharing, so we can help each other and improve together."

Jiang Lijuan's words were exactly what everyone wanted. The path of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator is lonely, and usually, they mostly fight alone. It is rare to have the Opportunity to communicate with Cultivators of the same rank. Being able to know the Sect's dynamics and learn from others' cultivation insights is such a good thing that naturally, no one would refuse.

The first to speak was Elder Qingxuan's Disciple, Senior Brother Wu Yong: "Speaking of the major events in the Sect this year, the most worth celebrating is that five more Junior Brothers in our Inner Sect have successfully achieved Foundation Establishment!"

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, their faces showing expressions of approval.

The Foundation Establishment stage is the first important threshold on the path of immortality. Those who can successfully achieve a Breakthrough possess both talent and diligence. Having five Disciples achieve Foundation Establishment within a year is indeed a great joy for the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Immediately after, another Cultivator spoke up, mentioning the treasures and Opportunities within the Sect: "There is one more thing that I presume everyone has heard about. When the Sect's Secret Realm opened, Junior Brother Zhang was extremely lucky and found a Medium Grade Heart-Protecting Jade in the depths of the Secret Realm. Not only can it resist spell attacks, but it can also nourish the mind. It can be called a rare treasure, making others envious."

Everyone chimed in one after another, chatting about the major events in the Sect over the past year. Their words contained both envy and gratification regarding the Sect's development.

Far away in the small courtyard, Qin Changsheng did not speak, but carefully noted down these major events one by one.

During the conversation, the topic gradually turned to the situation outside the Sect, and the tone gradually became serious.

"Everyone, there are more and more Yao Beasts near our Sect!"

"Many Outer Sect Disciples have already died in the mouths of Yao Beasts!" Senior Brother Wu Yong spoke up again.

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became heavy.

The smiles on everyone's faces vanished, and they all frowned, their expressions carrying a hint of worry.

The infestation of Yao Beasts would not only threaten Cultivators who went out to gain experience, but if left unchecked, it could even endanger the safety of the Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate.

"Senior Brother Wu Yong is right," Jiang Lijuan nodded, her tone becoming serious as she added, "The Sect Elders have already realized the seriousness of this matter. After discussion, they have decided to dispatch a group of Foundation Establishment Cultivators in one month to go to Qingyun Lake and the Misty Forest to clear out the surrounding Yao Beasts. On one hand, it is to protect the Disciples who go out to gain experience, and on the other hand, it is to curb the momentum of the Yao Beast infestation and hold the defensive line of our Heavenly Sword Sect's mountain gate."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Clearing out Yao Beasts is both a Sect mission and the responsibility of every Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Moreover, during the process of clearing out Yao Beasts, not only can one train oneself, but one might also obtain treasures like Yao Beast inner cores and beast skins, which can also be considered an Opportunity.

Jiang Lijuan swept her gaze over everyone and slowly said: "For this clearing of Yao Beasts, the Sect will reasonably distribute tasks based on everyone's cultivation level and combat power. Inviting everyone here today is also to inform you in advance, so that you can be prepared and wait for the Sect's orders at any time."

Everyone bowed and replied: "We will strictly follow the Sect's instructions!"

Far away in the small courtyard, Qin Changsheng also heard this news.

When he heard Jiang Lijuan mention that the Sect was going to dispatch Foundation Establishment Cultivators to clear out the Yao Beasts in Qingyun Lake and the Misty Forest, Qin Changsheng's originally calm expression flickered slightly. A glimmer of light flashed in the depths of his eyes, and his mind immediately became active.

For others, clearing out Yao Beasts might just be a Sect mission, an Opportunity to train themselves and earn a small amount of Spirit Stones and Yao Beast Materials, but for Qin Changsheng, it instantly made him think of the Secret Treasure in Qingyun Lake.

He knew clearly in his heart that an ancient Secret Treasure was hidden in the depths of Qingyun Lake. If he could find it, it would be able to increase Qin Changsheng's strength.

But this Opportunity was accompanied by fatal danger. In the depths of Qingyun Lake, there was a Golden Core Stage Yao Beast guarding it. Its strength was formidable, and its aura was terrifying, far beyond what a Foundation Establishment Cultivator could contend with.

Over the past few years, he had also secretly dispatched Hu Nan to go to Qingyun Lake to test it several times, attempting to break through the blockade of that Golden Core Yao Beast and glimpse the traces of the Secret Treasure, but every time, Hu Nan was killed by that Yao Beast.

Although the Sect was only dispatching Foundation Establishment Cultivators this time, there would also be Golden Core Cultivators presiding over the situation.

If he could get the Golden Core Cultivators to contain that Golden Core Yao Beast, he might have a chance to seize that Secret Treasure.

Just at this moment, Lin Hao, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up.

Seeing Lin Hao stand up, everyone's gaze turned towards him.

"Everyone, there is one more thing that I presume you do not know yet," Lin Hao seemed a bit smug.

"What is it?"

"Lin Hao, are there any other major events in the Sect?"

"Senior Brother Lin, tell us quickly!"

Everyone asked one after another.

Lin Hao smiled, then said: "Two days ago, I saw Li Hu!"

"He has already successfully achieved a Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage and become a Foundation Establishment Cultivator."

Once these words were spoken, expressions of astonishment appeared on everyone's faces.

The name Li Hu was familiar to everyone present.

At the Heavenly Sword Sect's Sect Competition a few years ago, Li Hu was one of the most talented Outer Sect Disciples. His cultivation was profound, his combat power was formidable, and he had fought his way through to the finals of the Grand Competition, with hopes of winning the championship and receiving a heavy reward from the Sect.

But just on the eve of the finals, Li Hu suddenly disappeared mysteriously without a trace. Some said he met with a mishap, some said he had betrayed the Sect, and others said he had found some Opportunity and left to gain experience alone. For five years, there had been no news, and he was gradually forgotten by everyone.

No one expected that five years later, Li Hu would suddenly return to the Sect. What was even more astonishing was that Li Hu had actually become a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Hearing Lin Hao's words, the expression of Qin Changsheng, far away in the small courtyard, also became serious.

Others might not know Li Hu's identity.

But Qin Changsheng was very clear that this Li Hu was the Young Lord of the Blood Demon Sect.

The reason Li Hu left back then was because he had taken the blood demon pill.

At the same time, Qin Changsheng knew very well in his heart that Li Hu's sudden return to the Sect was likely for the Secret Treasure within Qingyun Lake.

Perhaps this large-scale mobilization of Foundation Establishment Cultivators to clear out the Qingyun Lake Yao Beasts was all his doing.

"Everyone, there is one more thing I have not finished saying." Lin Hao continued: "After Li Hu returned, upon learning that the Sect was going to dispatch Foundation Establishment Cultivators to the vicinity of Qingyun Lake to clear out Yao Beasts, he had already actively signed up to participate in this mission."

Once these words were spoken, the astonishment in the private room gradually faded, replaced by a chorus of admiration.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators nodded one after another. The looks they cast towards Lin Hao contained a bit more approval, and their words were full of praise for Li Hu.

"He is worthy of being the talented Junior Brother Li Hu from back then! Just after returning to the Sect, he took the initiative to volunteer for the beast-clearing mission. This courage and sense of responsibility are truly admirable!"

"The Yao Beasts around Qingyun Lake are rampant, and there is a Golden Core Yao Beast guarding it. It is full of dangers. He dared to go voluntarily just after achieving Foundation Establishment. This boldness far exceeds that of ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators."

"Junior Brother Li Hu has been missing for five years. Not only did he not neglect his Cultivation, but he also successfully achieved Foundation Establishment. Now, he is even actively taking on Sect missions. This Heart-Nature is truly rare. I presume that in these five years, he must have experienced a lot of tempering to have achieved today's growth."

Everyone chimed in, all praising Li Hu, their words full of approval and admiration.

Only Qin Changsheng knew Li Hu's true intentions.

The surrounding Cultivators were all deceived by Li Hu's "courage" and "sense of responsibility," but Qin Changsheng saw it clearly.

Li Hu was not genuinely wanting to participate in the beast-clearing mission and contribute to the Sect; he was clearly aiming for the Secret Treasure in the depths of Qingyun Lake!

This Sect-organized Qingyun Lake beast-clearing mission was a test and responsibility for others, but for Li Hu, it was the best Opportunity to seize the Secret Treasure.

Under the guise of a Sect mission, he could not only legitimately approach Qingyun Lake but also use the strength of the numerous Foundation Establishment Cultivators and Golden Core Cultivators to contain that Golden Core Yao Beast. It could be said to be killing two birds with one stone.

What made Qin Changsheng even more certain was that Li Hu was the Young Lord of the Blood Demon Sect and was by no means a reckless person.

Now that he had actively signed up for the mission, it was certainly not a momentary impulse, but that he had long made full preparations. He might have even formulated a detailed plan—how to contain the Golden Core Yao Beast, how to break through the blockade, and how to seize the Secret Treasure; he must already have a plan in his heart.