89: Chapter 89 Deploying Troops and Pointing the Sword at Jin Yan

Lin Ye first gave a few instructions to Su Waner and Gui Li, ordering them to finish dealing with the underground palace affairs as soon as possible and then rush to the mountain gate to rendezvous.

Then, he immediately activated the "Sect Master Token" and transmitted clear, majestic orders to every part of the Sect:

"Supreme Elder Tianxuan, please move to the mountain gate to preside over the overall situation."

"Elder Xing of the Law Enforcement Hall, immediately mobilize all deacon Disciples above the Foundation Establishment stage in the hall, Seal the mountain gate, and set up the 'Lingyun Sword Formation'."

"Peak Revered Masters and Golden Core Elders of each Peak, except for those who must remain behind, immediately proceed to the mountain gate to assemble and await orders."

"Elder Liu of Danxia Peak, you are responsible for coordinating Medicinal Pill supplies and treating the wounded."

"The new head of the Dark Hall, strictly monitor all abnormal movements inside and outside the Sect, especially any potential unusual movements from the Yinkui Sect."

"All Inner Sect Disciples, assemble and wait for orders at your respective Peaks; do not move without authorization."

One by one, the orders were clearly and accurately transmitted through the authority of the "Sect Master Token". The entire Lingyun Sword Sect, like a sleeping giant beast, was awakened in an instant and began to operate efficiently and orderly.

Lin Ye himself returned to his temporary quiet room in the Law Enforcement Hall (now the acting Sect Master's headquarters), quickly changed into the purple-gold sword robe representing the Sect Master's status (there were spares in the storage room), wore the "Sect Master Token" in the most conspicuous place on his waist, hid the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" close to his body, and hung the yan jun token inside his inner lining. He took a Medicinal Pill, adjusted his breathing slightly, and adjusted his state to the best.

He is now the acting Sect Master, representing the Face and will of the entire Lingyun Sword Sect, and must never show the slightest weakness or panic in front of foreign enemies.

After the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Lin Ye flew up on his sword and flew unhurriedly towards the mountain gate. Along the way, he saw lights of escape rising from each Peak, converging in the same direction. In the direction of the mountain gate, there were even faint, vast Sword Intent and spiritual power fluctuations coming, obviously Supreme Elder Tianxuan and others had arrived one step ahead and made arrangements.

Very good. The strength of the Sect is gathering.

When Lin Ye arrived at the "Lingyun Square" in front of the mountain gate, the atmosphere here was already murderous, with swords drawn and bows bent.

On one side of the square, the Lingyun Sword Sect side, led by Supreme Elder Tianxuan, with Elder Xing, Elder Liu, Elder Li (who had been rescued), the Revered Master of Chu Yun, and several other Golden Core Elders, as well as more than twenty Foundation Establishment Late Stage and Peak deacons and Elders, and nearly a hundred elite Disciples, had already formed a formation. The Sword Qi soared into the sky, and the formation was strict.

On the other side of the square, outside the mountain gate, four people stood in the void. The leader, wearing a red-gold robe, had a majestic Face, flames seemed to be rising around his body, and his Aura was as vast as the sea. He was the Revered Master of Golden Flame Valley, a great Cultivator of the Nascent Soul Stage — Master Chihuang! The three people behind him, two men and one woman, were all wearing crimson magic robes, their Auras were sharp, and they were all Golden Core Cultivators. They were the three Golden Core Elders of the Golden Flame Valley.

Between the two sides, the air seemed to solidify, and the collision of invisible pressure made the Disciples with lower cultivation on the square feel breathless.

"Fellow Daoist Tianxuan, this seat will ask one last time. Hand over Lin Han, hand over the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts', and compensate for the losses of my Golden Flame Valley's Elders falling and Disciples' casualties, and this matter can be settled. Otherwise..." Master Chihuang's voice was flat, but it carried a domineering and scorching heat that could burn the eight wildernesses. His gaze swept over Supreme Elder Tianxuan and others, and finally fell on Lin Ye, who had just landed on his sword, wearing a purple-gold sword robe, and with the Sect Master Token hanging at his waist, a strange look flashed in his eyes.

"Otherwise what?" Before Supreme Elder Tianxuan could speak, a clear, calm, yet undeniably majestic voice had already sounded from the Lingyun Sword Sect camp.

Everyone looked over and saw Lin Ye stepping out of the crowd. Under the gaze of countless eyes, he walked slowly to the front of the formation, stood side by side with Supreme Elder Tianxuan, and faced Master Chihuang directly.

"Valley Master Chihuang, guests come from afar, this seat failed to welcome you, I hope you will forgive me." Lin Ye bowed slightly to Master Chihuang, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, carrying a calmness and bearing that did not match his age. "However, what the Valley Revered Master said, to hand over this seat, to hand over the Sect's sacred object, and to compensate for the losses... I am afraid I cannot comply."

"This seat?" A flash of light appeared in Master Chihuang's eyes, and he looked at Lin Ye with interest. "You are Lin Han? A mere Qi Refining junior, dare to call yourself 'this seat' in front of me? Is there no one left in the Lingyun Sword Sect?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone in the Golden Flame Valley showed contempt and mockery. On the Lingyun Sword Sect side, some Disciples also showed indignation, but more were worried. Lin Ye's cultivation was too low. Even though he had made great contributions before, the gap in facing a Nascent Soul great Cultivator was too big.

"The Sect has laws, and the inheritance has honor and inferiority." Lin Ye's expression remained unchanged, and he slowly raised the "Sect Master Token" at his waist. The purple-gold light on the token flowed, emitting a vast Sect Master's majesty. "According to the decree of Sect Master Lingxiao before his seclusion, the Disciple Lin Han is temporarily acting as the Sect Master to handle all affairs of the Sect. Seeing this token is like seeing the Sect Master. Why can't I call myself 'this seat'?"

Sect Master Token! Acting Sect Master!

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience was in an uproar! Not only were the people of Golden Flame Valley stunned, but even on the Lingyun Sword Sect side, except for a few insiders like Supreme Elder Tianxuan, most Elders and Disciples heard it for the first time, and they were all shocked. A ninth-level Qi Refining acting as Sect Master? This was unheard of!

"Ridiculous!" A Golden Core Elder of Golden Flame Valley sneered. "What kind of person is Sect Master Lingxiao, how could he pass the position to a Qi Refining child? It must be you, this thief, who stole the Sect Master Token and declared yourself the leader with a fake edict!"

"Whether it is a fake edict, our Sect has its own public opinion, so we won't trouble your valley." Lin Ye's gaze turned cold. "As for what the Valley Revered Master said about wanting me to hand over the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts', that is even more nonsense. This token is my Sect's inherited sacred object, what does it have to do with your valley? Your valley's Elder Chiyang Zi, in the Ancient Demon Battlefield, coveted my Sect's sacred object, colluded with the Yinkui Sect and the rebel Zhao Kun, besieged me, wanted to do evil, and finally was inferior in skill, defeated and retreated. I did not ask your valley for an explanation, but your valley made false accusations, led a crowd to force your way to the door. Do you really think my Lingyun Sword Sect has no one and can be bullied by you?!"

His voice suddenly increased, carrying the blessing of the "Sect Master Token" and an awe-inspiring righteousness, resounding through the audience:

"This seat wants to ask Valley Master Chihuang, your Golden Flame Valley Elder, colluded with the Yinkui Sect rebel, conspired to seize my Sect's sacred object, what is the crime? Your Golden Flame Valley is making a big fuss today, pressing on our Sect's mountain gate, do you want to go to war with my Lingyun Sword Sect completely?!"

A counterattack! Using the Sect's righteousness and the status of a victim, he sternly questioned!

Master Chihuang frowned. He did not expect Lin Ye to be so sharp-tongued and full of momentum. He naturally knew something about Chiyang Zi's collusion with the Yinkui Sect and Zhao Kun, but he absolutely could not admit it at this moment.

"Yellow-mouthed child, speaking nonsense! I will naturally investigate the matter of Elder Chi Yang myself. But you killed my valley's Disciples and took my valley's treasure (referring to the possible clues of the soul-stabilizing bead), that is a fact! If you don't give an explanation today, I, for the sake of Sect Master Lingxiao, will have to teach you a lesson, you junior who doesn't know the height of the sky and the depth of the earth!"

As the voice fell, the terrifying pressure of Master Chihuang's Nascent Soul Stage, like a substantial mountain, slammed into Lin Ye! He wanted to crush Lin Ye's will with absolute strength and force him to submit!

"Chihuang! How dare you!" Supreme Elder Tianxuan's Face sank, he stepped forward, and the same vast Nascent Soul pressure erupted, colliding with Master Chihuang, protecting Lin Ye and the Disciples behind him.

The collision of the two Nascent Soul great Cultivators' pressure made the space of the entire square slightly distorted, making an unbearable groan. Cultivators below the Golden Core stage all turned pale and retreated one after another.

"Tianxuan, do you want to stop me?" A flash of fire in Master Chihuang's eyes.

"Lin Han is the acting Sect Master of our Sect, how can I allow you to bully him at will?" Supreme Elder Tianxuan did not give an inch. "If you want to fight, this old man will accompany you!"

"Just by you alone, can you protect him?" Master Chihuang sneered, and the three Golden Core Elders behind him also rose in Aura, locking onto Supreme Elder Tianxuan and other Golden Core members of the Lingyun Sword Sect.

The conflict was on the verge of breaking out!

Just at this critical moment.

Lin Ye suddenly laughed loudly, the laughter carrying a trace of mockery and coldness:

"Valley Master Chihuang, do you think that by holding the power of the Nascent Soul, you can do whatever you want in front of the mountain gate of my Lingyun Sword Sect? Have you forgotten that this place is the founding place of my Lingyun Sword Sect, and it is the place covered by the 'Lingyun Sword Formation'? Have you forgotten that when our Sect's founding ancestor, 'Sword Immortal Lingyun', killed demons and eliminated evil here and established an unparalleled reputation, where was your Golden Flame Valley?"

He stepped forward, ignoring the terrifying collision of pressure (with the protection of Supreme Elder Tianxuan and the Sect Master Token), his eyes were like swords, looking directly at Master Chihuang:

"This seat will say it one last time: The matter of Chiyang Zi is his own fault. If Golden Flame Valley wants an explanation, you can follow the rules of the Immortal cultivation world, submit evidence, and have a high-level meeting between the two Sects. But if you want to oppress people with power and bully the weak..."

His voice suddenly turned sharp, and he suddenly held the "Sect Master Token" in his hand high above his head!

"Then let this seat, and the thousands of Disciples of my Lingyun Sword Sect, learn about the 'Brilliant Heavenly Might' of the Golden Flame Valley!"

"Where are the Lingyun Sword Sect Disciples?!"

"Here!!!" Behind him, nearly a hundred elite Disciples, together with the Elders of each Peak, roared in unison, shaking the clouds! The Sword Qi soared to the sky, and the Battle Intent boiled!

"Form — the Lingyun Sword Formation!"

Following Lin Ye's command, the Disciples, who had already been prepared under the direction of Elder Xing, instantly shifted positions. Their longswords rang in unison, and streams of Sword Qi rose, intertwining and converging in mid-air. They vaguely formed the phantom of a giant sword that stood between heaven and earth, radiating an Aura capable of annihilating everything, enveloping the entire Sect gate square!

The might of the sword formation actually caused Master Chihuang's Nascent Soul pressure to pause!

This "Lingyun Sword Formation" was a simplified version of the Sect's mountain-protecting grand formation. Formed by elite Disciples, it could gather the strength of everyone, with power comparable to several Golden Core Cultivators joining forces, and it also possessed a certain ability to restrain Nascent Soul Cultivators.

At the same time, Supreme Elder Tianxuan, Elder Xing, Elder Liu, and other Golden Core Cultivators also brought out their Magic Treasures, locking their Auras onto the group from Golden Flame Valley.

The entire Lingyun Sword Sect was like a drawn sharp sword, its edge fully exposed, pointing directly at the incoming enemies!

Master Chihuang's expression finally changed. He had not expected the Lingyun Sword Sect to react so quickly and decisively, nor had he expected that this Qi Refining junior acting as Sect Master would possess such courage and prestige, able to mobilize the entire Sect in an instant and set up a stance for a fight to the death!

While he certainly did not fear Supreme Elder Tianxuan and even had the ability to defeat him, standing before the gate of the Lingyun Sword Sect, facing the complete "Lingyun Sword Formation," several Golden Core Cultivators, and that mountain-protecting grand formation of unknown depth, even if he could win, it would surely be a pyrrhic victory, and Golden Flame Valley would inevitably pay an unbearable price.

Moreover, going to full-scale war with the Lingyun Sword Sect was definitely not his intention. His true goal was the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" and the potential clues regarding the "soul-stabilizing bead."

He was riding a tiger and could not get off!

Fire flickered in Master Chihuang's eyes, clearly weighing the pros and cons rapidly.

Just at this moment, an aged, gentle voice that carried a strange, soothing power suddenly came from the distant horizon:

"Fellow Daoist Chihuang, Fellow Daoist Tianxuan, why be so aggressive? Why not give this old Daoist some Face, stop for now, and sit down to talk about it?"

Everyone looked toward the sound and saw clouds of auspicious mist in the sky. An old Daoist wearing Eight Trigrams robes, holding a horsetail whisk, and with the hair of a crane and the Face of a child, stepped on an auspicious cloud and drifted over.

His Aura was as deep as the sea; he was actually also a great Cultivator at the Early Stage of the Nascent Soul Stage!

"It is 'Hermit Xianyun' of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion!" someone whispered.

The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion was one of the most transcendent forces in the Tianfeng Kingdom cultivation world, skilled in divining heavenly secrets and crafting Magic Treasures. They were on good terms with all major Sects and usually did not participate in disputes. The pavilion's Elder, "Hermit Xianyun," was highly respected.

Upon seeing the arrival, the expressions of both Master Chihuang and Supreme Elder Tianxuan eased.

"Fellow Daoist Xianyun, why have you come?" Supreme Elder Tianxuan saluted with clasped hands.

"Hehe, this old Daoist was wandering here and saw your Sect's Sword Qi soaring into the sky, with Evil Qi filling the fields. Fearing a great disaster, I came to intrude and act as a peacemaker."

Hermit Xianyun landed smilingly between the two sides. His gaze swept over Lin Ye, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he immediately said to Master Chihuang, "Fellow Daoist Chihuang, your valley and the Lingyun Sword Sect are both pillars of our Tianfeng Kingdom. Why resort to weapons over a minor misunderstanding? Why not listen to this old Daoist's words: both sides take a step back, sit down, and talk things through. How about that?"

Master Chihuang was just in need of a step down, so he snorted coldly, "Since Fellow Daoist Xianyun has spoken, this seat will give you this Face. But this matter must have an explanation!"

Supreme Elder Tianxuan looked at Lin Ye. Now that Lin Ye was the acting Sect Master, he needed to make the decision.

Thoughts raced through Lin Ye's mind. Was Hermit Xianyun's sudden appearance a coincidence or intentional? However, continuing to stand firm right now was indeed disadvantageous to the Sect. Being able to temporarily stabilize Golden Flame Valley and buy time was also good.

"Since Senior Hermit Xianyun has come forward to mediate, my Lingyun Sword Sect will naturally give you Face." Lin Ye sheathed his sword (virtually pressing down), "However, right and wrong must be clarified Face-to-Face. Valley Master Chihuang, are you willing to enter my Lingyun Hall for a three-party confrontation to clarify the matter?"

He emphasized "three-party" slightly, implying that Hermit Xianyun would serve as a witness.

Master Chihuang took a deep look at Lin Ye, then looked at the battle-ready Lingyun Sword Sect members and the smiling Hermit Xianyun, and finally nodded, "Fine! This seat will see what kind of tricks you junior can come up with!"

"Please!"

A potential Sect war had been temporarily suppressed. But everyone knew that the real confrontation was only just beginning.

In Lingyun Hall, the atmosphere was heavy.

On the Lingyun Sword Sect's side, Lin Ye (acting Sect Master) sat in the center, with Supreme Elder Tianxuan, Elder Xing, Elder Liu, Elder Li, and Chu Yun (as a witness) to the side.

On the Golden Flame Valley's side, Master Chihuang sat at the head, with three Golden Core Elders to the side.

Hermit Xianyun served as a witness, sitting to the side of the main seat.

"Valley Master Chihuang, please state your purpose, the circumstances of the fall of your valley's Elder Chiyang Zi, and the reason for demanding the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts'." Lin Ye got straight to the point, his tone calm.

Master Chihuang snorted coldly, "Elder Chi Yang was ordered to investigate the anomalies in the Ancient Demon Battlefield. In Meteor Demon Valley, he encountered you in a chaotic battle with the Yinkui Sect and the traitor Zhao Kun. He wished to mediate the dispute, but was ambushed by you and the Yinkui Sect, retreating with heavy injuries, and soon fell due to his wounds! Before dying, he used a secret technique to transmit a message, identifying that you possessed the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts'! This token is a token of an ancient Demonic Lord and is extremely evil. As a Disciple of the Righteous Path, you have privately hidden a demonic object and killed our valley's Elder; your crimes are unforgivable! This seat has come here for two reasons: first, to seek justice; second, to confiscate the demonic object to prevent it from harming the common people!"

Twisting black and white, and making a false countercharge!

"Nonsense!" Chu Yun couldn't help but say angrily, "It was clearly Chiyang Zi who colluded with Zhao Kun and the Yinkui Sect to seize the sacred object in the hands of Junior Brother... the acting Sect Master. They besieged us and were ultimately defeated and fled! Where did this talk of an ambush come from?!"

"Where is the evidence?" a Golden Core Elder from Golden Flame Valley sneered.

"I am a witness," Lin Ye said calmly, "Furthermore, I also have material evidence in my hands."

He took out a recording stone (obtained from the miscellaneous items in Master Youquan's underground palace, which happened to record part of the conversation between Chiyang Zi and Zhao Kun) and activated it. The image was somewhat blurry, but one could vaguely discern Chiyang Zi and Zhao Kun standing together, whispering and discussing something, with words like "joining forces," "demonic heart," and "token" mentioned.

Although not direct enough, it was sufficient to prove the point.

Master Chihuang's expression darkened slightly.

"As for the 'command token of ten thousand ghosts'," Lin Ye put away the recording stone and looked directly at Master Chihuang, "This token was indeed obtained by me, but it is not a demonic object. It is one of the inherited sacred objects of my Lingyun Sword Sect, listed alongside the 'yan jun token' and the 'reincarnation seal' as the 'Three Realms keys,' concerning the safety of this realm. The details involve Sect secrets and are not convenient to disclose. However, I can swear upon my Heart Demon that this token has never been used for evil and is under the control of our Sect, used to suppress demons and stabilize this realm."

He admitted it frankly but categorized the token as a "Sect sacred object" and a "realm-stabilizing treasure," elevating the status and making Golden Flame Valley's demand appear unreasonable.

"Silver-tongued!" Master Chihuang slammed the table and stood up, "You say it is a sacred object, so it is? What proof do you have? This token is filled with Devilish Qi; the whole world knows it! Leaving it in your hands will surely become a disaster! It must be handed over today to be sealed and guarded by my Golden Flame Valley and the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion!"

This was his true goal! Not only did he want the token, but he also wanted to drag the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion into the water to increase his legitimacy!

"Fellow Daoist Chihuang, that is incorrect." Hermit Xianyun spoke up suddenly, saying slowly, "Although this old Daoist does not know the specific Origin of this token, from observing it just now, while this token does contain extreme Yin Qi, its core seems to have a wisp of pure Yang Origin harmonizing with it, and there is even Haoran Sword Intent faintly visible. It is indeed not an ordinary demonic object. Furthermore, young friend Lin possesses the 'yan jun token' (this old Daoist has a slight sense of it), and the Auras of the two faintly resonate. Perhaps it is truly as he said, a set of ancient realm-stabilizing treasures. It is quite reasonable for the Lingyun Sword Sect to hold them."

He was actually speaking in favor of the Lingyun Sword Sect?!

Master Chihuang's expression grew even uglier.

Lin Ye's heart stirred as well; this Hermit Xianyun seemed to know quite a lot?!

"Fellow Daoist Chihuang, you..." Master Chihuang suppressed his anger.

"However," Hermit Xianyun changed the subject and looked at Lin Ye, "Young friend Lin, this token is of great importance and indeed requires caution. This old Daoist has a proposal that might resolve this conflict."

"Senior, please speak."

"This old Daoist is untalented but knows a thing or two about ancient objects. Why not temporarily lend this token to this old Daoist for three days of observation? I will judge its true purpose and danger, and create a notarized document to announce to the world, clarifying the ownership and nature of this token to put all parties at ease. How about that?" Hermit Xianyun said smilingly, "Of course, this old Daoist guarantees with the reputation of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion that I will not damage it in the slightest. After three days, the original item will be returned."

Temporarily lend it for three days, to be appraised and notarized by the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion?

This seemed to be a compromise that could temporarily dispel Golden Flame Valley's coercion and also use the mouth of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion to legitimize the "command token of ten thousand ghosts."

But... the "command token of ten thousand ghosts" related to the "Nine Nether Passage," and the secret was too big. Handing it to an outsider, even for just three days, carried extremely high risk. Moreover, was this Hermit Xianyun truly trustworthy?

Master Chihuang's eyes flickered, clearly also weighing the options. If the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion appraised this token as indeed a "realm-stabilizing treasure," then his forceful seizure would lose its moral justification. But if he could take the opportunity to reach some deal with the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion...

All eyes were focused on Lin Ye.

To lend, or not to lend?