46: In the early days of the alliance, undercurrents were swirling.

After repelling the Dark Holy Cult, Jun Xiaoyao and the representatives of various forces knew that forming an Alliance to oppose the Demonic Path was a matter of extreme urgency. In a safe area near the ice cave, everyone began intensive discussions on the specific matters of the Alliance.

Jun Xiaoyao looked around and said with a solemn expression, "Everyone, this attack by the Dark Holy Cult has made us clearly realize the power and greed of the Demonic Path forces. If we do not unite, the Jianghu will surely fall into a place of eternal damnation. Our formation of an Alliance aims to integrate the forces of all parties to jointly resist the Demonic Path and return peace to the Jianghu."

The representatives of various forces nodded one after another, expressing agreement with Jun Xiaoyao's proposal. An Elder from the Sword Heart Pavilion said, "What Young Master Jun says is exactly right; forming an Alliance is imperative. However, the Alliance needs a complete system and clear division of labor to exert its maximum effectiveness."

Everyone engaged in deep discussions around the Alliance's organizational structure, resource allocation, and action strategies. After some intense deliberation, the general framework of the Alliance was finally determined. The position of Alliance Leader was established, to be held by Jun Xiaoyao, responsible for overall coordination; below him was the Council of Elders, composed of the heads of major Schools and aristocratic families, to jointly deliberate on the Alliance's major decisions; meanwhile, based on the specialties and advantages of each force, different responsibilities were assigned, such as intelligence gathering, Cultivation Technique research, and material preparation.

Regarding the distribution of the ice cave treasures, it was also executed according to the plan previously discussed with Bing Xuan. This not only motivated the various forces to contribute actively in the fight against the Demonic Path but also ensured that the treasures could be utilized reasonably to enhance the overall strength of the Alliance.

"Since the Alliance framework is set, we should hold the Alliance ceremony as soon as possible and announce it to the Jianghu, letting the Demonic Path forces know our determination," Bing Xuan said.

Everyone agreed to this and began preparing for the Alliance ceremony. During the preparation process, the various forces cooperated actively, showing unprecedented unity. Shen Lang and Xu Ziling were responsible for contacting all parties to ensure the accurate transmission of information; Xiang Shaolong used his mechanics to create a sturdy and magnificent venue for the Alliance ceremony; the Marshal of the Unruly led "The Unruly" to handle the security of the venue, ensuring the smooth progress of the ceremony.

After several days of preparation, the Alliance ceremony finally arrived. On this day, the sun was bright and the sky was cloudless. On the square in front of the ice cave, the flags of various forces fluttered in the wind. Jun Xiaoyao was dressed in a long white robe, standing on a high platform with a solemn expression. Below the platform, representatives from various Schools, aristocratic families, and Holy Lands were neatly lined up, the atmosphere solemn and enthusiastic.

"Today, we gather here for a common goal—to resist the Demonic Path and protect the Jianghu. From this day forward, we officially form an Alliance, sharing weal and woe, living and dying together!" Jun Xiaoyao's voice was firm and powerful, spreading throughout the square.

"Sharing weal and woe, living and dying together!" everyone shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the clouds.

Subsequently, Jun Xiaoyao and the representatives of various forces took an oath of blood in turn, symbolizing the official establishment of the Alliance. After the Alliance ceremony ended, the representatives of various forces expressed one after another that they would fully support the work of the Alliance and contribute their strength to oppose the Demonic Path.

However, behind the joy of the Alliance's initial formation, an undercurrent was quietly surging. After retreating, the Dark Holy Cult did not give up its greed for the ice cave treasures. The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult, his body shrouded in a black robe, sat in a dark hall, his face as gloomy as water.

"Beyond Heaven, and those so-called Righteous Path forces, how dare they ruin my plans. If I do not avenge this, I swear I am not human!" the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult said through gritted teeth.

An Elder stepped forward and said respectfully, "Cult Master, Beyond Heaven has now united many forces, and their strength has greatly increased. If we attack rashly, I fear it will be difficult to win."

The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult snorted coldly, "Hmph, if a frontal attack won't work, we will use schemes and intrigues. Didn't Beyond Heaven just form an Alliance? We will start from within the Alliance, sowing discord and making them kill each other."

Thus, the Dark Holy Cult began to plot in secret. They sent out a group of cultists skilled in disguise and manipulation to infiltrate various forces and spread various rumors. Some rumors claimed that Beyond Heaven was monopolizing power in the Alliance, intending to use the Alliance to strengthen itself and suppress other forces; other rumors said that certain forces were secretly colluding with the Demonic Path, attempting to betray the Alliance. These rumors spread rapidly among the various forces like a virus, triggering unnecessary suspicion and conflict.

At the same time, the remnants of the Blood Demon Hall and the Nether Ghost Sect were also active in the shadows. They contacted the Dark Holy Cult, preparing to unite and jointly oppose the Alliance. The Blood Demon and the Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect knew well that with their own strength alone, it would be difficult to contend with the Alliance; only by relying on the power of the Dark Holy Cult would they have a chance for revenge.

"We will cooperate with the Dark Holy Cult to jointly deal with Beyond Heaven and the Alliance. But we must be careful not to be used by the Dark Holy Cult," the Blood Demon said.

The Sect Master of the Nether Ghost Sect nodded in agreement, "Indeed, we must remain vigilant and find the right opportunity to take back what belongs to us."

The intelligence personnel of The Net quickly sent these news back to Beyond Heaven. Zhao Gao reported to Jun Xiaoyao with a grave expression, "Master, the Dark Holy Cult is secretly spreading rumors, attempting to destroy the unity of the Alliance. The remnants of the Blood Demon Hall and the Nether Ghost Sect are also colluding with the Dark Holy Cult, preparing to deal with us together."

Jun Xiaoyao's brows furrowed; he knew this was another severe test facing the Alliance. "Notify Shen Lang and Xu Ziling to have them find the source of the rumors as soon as possible and eliminate the suspicion between the various forces. At the same time, closely monitor the movements of the Blood Demon Hall, the Nether Ghost Sect, and the Dark Holy Cult. If there is any movement, report to me immediately."

"Yes, Master!" Zhao Gao took the order and left.

Jun Xiaoyao knew that although the Alliance had been established, the road ahead was still full of thorns. Could the Dark Holy Cult's conspiracy be seen through in time? What kind of crisis would the collusion of the Blood Demon Hall and the Nether Ghost Sect with the Dark Holy Cult bring to the Alliance? Beyond Heaven and the Alliance must respond cautiously to gain a firm foothold in this undercurrent-surging Jianghu and achieve the goal of opposing the Demonic Path. And Jun Xiaoyao, as the Alliance Leader, bore an even greater responsibility; he must lead everyone to resolve this crisis and protect the peace of the Jianghu...