Upon hearing the sect leader's words, Lin Yang's heart tightened. He knew there must be a conspiracy behind this rumor. After a moment's thought, he raised his head and said firmly, "Sect leader, it's obvious that someone wants to use this to frame me, incite conflict between sects, and then reap the benefits. But no matter who the mastermind is, I cannot let the sect fall into crisis because of me."
The sect leader nodded slightly, his eyes showing approval: "It's good that you understand this. The attitudes of the various sects are unclear right now, so we must be cautious. I have sent people to closely monitor the movements of other sects, and at the same time, I have strengthened the sect's defenses. But your own safety is also of utmost importance, so try not to leave the sect during this time."
Lin Yang was grateful for the sect leader's concern, but his resolute character prevented him from putting the sect in a passive position due to his own safety. "Sect leader, I want to take the initiative. If we continue to cower in the sect, it will only embolden other sects to believe the rumors and think we have something to hide. I am willing to use myself as bait to lure out the mastermind behind this."
The sect leader hesitated, but Lin Yang continued, "I possess a mysterious inheritance, and my strength has greatly improved. Protecting myself shouldn't be a problem. Moreover, I will act together with several fellow disciples, looking out for each other. As long as we act cautiously, we will definitely be able to find the mastermind behind this and resolve this crisis."
After pondering for a long time, the sect leader finally sighed and said, "Alright, but you must be extremely careful. If you encounter any danger, do not act recklessly; return to the sect immediately. I will arrange for the sect elders to secretly meet you."
After receiving the order, Lin Yang immediately found Su Ran, Ling Feng, a sword cultivator from the Spirit Sword Sect, and Qin Yue, a rune master from the Purple Cloud Palace, and informed them of the plan. Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their willingness to go together and fight the crisis.
Meanwhile, rumors about Lin Yang possessing unparalleled treasures intensified. Some unscrupulous cultivators began loitering near Lin Yang's sect, seeking an opportunity to investigate. Meanwhile, spies from various sects were scattered throughout the surrounding area, observing Lin Yang's every move.
The scouts sent by the Xuanfeng Sect reported: "Sect Master, Lin Yang's sect seems to have strengthened its defenses, but there is no sign of them handing over any treasures. Moreover, we discovered that Lin Yang and several fellow disciples left the sect, seemingly heading towards the Linghuan Mountain Range."
Master Xuanfeng sneered, "It seems Lin Yang has quite the guts. Pass on my order: have the Seven Masters of Xuanfeng lead a team of elite disciples to secretly follow him. If they confirm that Lin Yang truly possesses a priceless treasure, seize it at all costs. But remember, do not easily reveal your identities; try to create chaos and make the other sects suspicious of each other."
The Flame God Sect also received similar news. After discussing with the Grand Elder, Sect Master Yan Lie decided to send the two great protectors of the Flame God Sect, Flame Dragon and Flame Tiger, with a group of disciples to the Spirit Illusion Mountain Range to closely monitor the movements of Lin Yang and his group. "If there is an opportunity, seize the treasures. But if other sects intervene, do not fight them head-on. Observe the situation first and act accordingly," Sect Master Yan Lie instructed.
After entering the Spirit Illusion Mountain Range, Lin Yang and his group proceeded cautiously. Su Ran used her keen sense of elemental power to remain constantly vigilant for any unusual activity around them. Ling Feng gripped his longsword, his sword aura concealed, ready to respond to any unexpected situations. Qin Yue, meanwhile, placed concealment and warning runes around the group as a precaution.
"Lin Yang, I have a feeling that there are quite a few people secretly following us," Su Ran said in a low voice.
Lin Yang nodded: "This is expected. We deliberately exposed our whereabouts to lure them out. But before the mastermind shows up, we shouldn't make any rash moves and should pretend we haven't noticed them."
The group continued their journey and arrived at a relatively secluded valley in the Spirit Illusion Mountains. A thin layer of mist permeated the valley, giving it an eerie feel. Just then, a group of men in black suddenly emerged from all directions. They were masked, wielding sharp blades, and surrounded Lin Yang and the others.
"Hand over the priceless treasure, and we'll spare your lives!" the leader of the men in black shouted.
Lin Yang sneered: "I don't have any priceless treasures at all. Who instructed you to do this and why are you framing me?"
Ignoring Lin Yang's words, the men in black waved their hands, and they pounced on Lin Yang and his companions like hungry wolves. Lin Yang and the others quickly formed a circle back-to-back, preparing to meet the attack. Ling Feng struck first, unleashing the Spirit Sword Sect's ultimate technique, the "Spirit Wind Swordplay." His movements were lightning-fast, his sword flashing, and streaks of sword energy swept towards the men in black like a whirlwind. Caught off guard, several men in black were struck by the sword energy and fell to the ground.
Su Ran rapidly formed hand seals and chanted, "Ice Guardian, Condense!" Instantly, a thick ice shield appeared around the group, blocking the black-clad man's attack. Qin Yue then used rune power to inscribe runes onto the ice shield, enhancing its defensive capabilities. Simultaneously, he also cast rune spells...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com