49: Beset by internal and external troubles, a desperate response is needed.

After Jun Xiaoyao learned the news that Iron Sword Sect's internal collaborators were about to act and that external forces like the Dark Holy Cult were stirring, he knew the situation was critical and immediate action was necessary. He quickly adjusted his strategy, arranging for Qiao Feng, Fu Hongxue, and others to prepare a surprise attack on Iron Sword Sect, while having Xu Ziling and Shen Lang notify the various Alliance forces to strengthen their defenses against the Dark Holy Cult and other external forces taking advantage of the chaos.

"Qiao Feng, Fu Hongxue, lead the Beyond Heaven elites and immediately head to Iron Sword Sect. This operation must be covert and swift. Strive to capture them all before Iron Sword Sect's internal collaborators can act," Jun Xiaoyao said sternly.

"Yes, Master!" Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue responded in unison, their eyes revealing firm determination. They quickly selected a group of agile and powerful Beyond Heaven Disciples and, under the cover of night, sped towards Iron Sword Sect like phantoms.

Meanwhile, Xu Ziling and Shen Lang tirelessly relayed the message to the various Alliance forces. They explained the current grim situation in detail, reminding each force to strengthen their defenses and pay close attention to their surroundings.

"Sect Heads, Family Heads, the Dark Holy Cult is attempting to collude from within and without to destroy the Alliance. We must unite and resist together. Please ensure your School's defenses are strengthened and do not take this lightly," Shen Lang said earnestly.

The various Alliance forces all expressed their full cooperation and immediately began strengthening their defensive measures. Some forces set up defensive Formations around their Schools, some increased their patrol personnel, and others prepared various emergency responses.

At Iron Sword Sect, the Elder who had colluded with the Dark Holy Cult was discussing the action plan with several confidants in a secret chamber.

"The Dark Holy Cult has sent word for us to act quickly. As long as we create chaos within the Alliance, the Dark Holy Cult will seize the opportunity to attack. The Alliance will surely fall into disarray, and we, Iron Sword Sect, will have a chance to profit from it," the Elder said with a gloomy face.

"But what if the matter is exposed? Our Iron Sword Sect might suffer a devastating calamity," a confidant said worriedly.

"Hmph, the arrow is on the string, and it must be fired. The Dark Holy Cult is powerful; if we don't cooperate, they won't spare us either. As long as the operation goes smoothly and the Alliance falls into great chaos, who will be able to hold us accountable?" the Elder said viciously.

However, what they didn't know was that Qiao Feng and others had already quietly infiltrated Iron Sword Sect. Qiao Feng, relying on his keen senses, detected unusual movements in the secret chamber. He gestured to Fu Hongxue and the others, and they silently approached the secret chamber.

"Prepare to act!" Qiao Feng whispered, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

Just as the Iron Sword Sect Elder was about to issue the command, Qiao Feng kicked open the secret chamber door and led everyone in. "You traitors, today is your doomsday!" Qiao Feng roared.

The Iron Sword Sect members were startled by this sudden turn of events, but quickly reacted, drawing their weapons and preparing to resist. "How dare you trespass into my Iron Sword Sect? You're simply courting death!" The Elder brandished his long sword and attacked Qiao Feng.

Qiao Feng snorted coldly and unleashed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. "Vast Dragon Regrets!" A golden Dragon-shaped palm print slammed towards the Elder. The Elder's face changed drastically as he felt the immense power of this palm, and he quickly circulated his Internal Energy to resist. With a loud "boom!", the Elder was shaken back a few steps, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Fu Hongxue and the Beyond Heaven Disciples also engaged in fierce combat with the Iron Sword Sect traitors. Fu Hongxue's Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon flashed with Saber Qi crisscrossing, and wherever it went, enemies fell. The Beyond Heaven Disciples were well-trained and coordinated, quickly gaining the upper hand.

After a fierce struggle, the Iron Sword Sect's internal collaborators were successfully subdued. Qiao Feng looked at the escorted Iron Sword Sect Elder and said coldly, "For your selfish gain, you betrayed the Alliance. Do you know your crime?"

The Elder's face was pale, and he lowered his head, not daring to speak.

"Escort them back to Beyond Heaven and await the Alliance Leader's judgment," Qiao Feng ordered.

Just as Qiao Feng and the others successfully eliminated Iron Sword Sect's internal collaborators, the Dark Holy Cult seemed to have detected the abnormality at Iron Sword Sect. The Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult's face was gloomy; he knew the plan might have been exposed.

"Hmph, I didn't expect Beyond Heaven to have detected our plan. However, this isn't over yet. Notify Blood Demon Hall and Nether Ghost Sect to immediately launch an attack. Even if we can't collude from within and without, we must deal a heavy blow to the Alliance!" the Cult Master of the Dark Holy Cult said through gritted teeth.

Soon, the combined armies of the Dark Holy Cult, Blood Demon Hall, and Nether Ghost Sect advanced towards the strongholds of the various Alliance forces. A major battle was about to erupt. Although the Alliance had successfully resolved its internal threats, could it withstand the powerful attacks from external forces like the Dark Holy Cult? How would Jun Xiaoyao lead the Alliance to respond to this crisis? The Jianghu situation became increasingly tense, and everyone was swept into this storm...