Ringing the Bell for a Hundred Years, I Became the Sect’s Ancestor – Chapter 88

Chapter 88: The Impending War

Whew!

Li Qian let out a long breath, looking at the Yuan Stone in his palm, which had turned into useless powder. He gently raised his hand, scattering it with the night wind.

Looking up at the sky, it was pitch black, the darkest hour before dawn.

Immediately, he flew towards the Divine Sword Sect.

As he approached the Divine Sword Sect’s gate area, he suddenly saw a sneaky figure emerge from the woods, mount a fast horse, and gallop away.

Appearing near the Divine Sword Sect at this hour… I wonder if they’re from the sect?

However, one thing is certain: someone sneaking in and out of the Divine Sword Sect in the dead of night can’t be a good person.

Li Qian watched the person leave, thoughtfully stroking his chin. He didn’t pursue them, nor did he choose to intercept them.

Because he was worried about alerting the enemy.

For the next few days, after finishing his cultivation every night, Li Qian would put on his black cloak and patrol around the Divine Sword Sect.

As an Inner Sect Disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, it was his duty to maintain the safety of the sect.

Just when he was about to give up, late one night, he finally encountered someone.

It was definitely the same person he had encountered before.

Riding a horse.

After tying up the horse, the masked figure in black entered the woods and headed towards the Divine Sword Sect.

Li Qian followed from a distance.

With his black cloak concealing his aura, coupled with the darkness of the night, the concealment effect was excellent. With his cultivation level and Light Body Skill, tailing them was no pressure at all.

The person stopped under a large tree.

After a long time, the sound of “coo, coo” suddenly rang out.

The person actually responded with the same “coo, coo” sound.

“Good heavens, is there a traitor within the Divine Sword Sect responding?”

Li Qian watched all this, thinking to himself.

For a major martial arts sect like the Divine Sword Sect, it was perfectly normal to have a few spies and informants from other forces within.

After all, including Odd-Job Disciples, Inner Sect Disciples, as well as the Alchemy Workshop, the breeding ground, the Hundred Herbs Garden, and other areas, there must be tens of thousands of people.

It was normal for some traitors to emerge.

Not long after, another figure arrived under the large tree.

The two stood together, not speaking.

No, they should be communicating using Secret Sound Transmission.

This way, they could prevent their voices and conversation content from being exposed.

Only Innate Martial Artists had the ability to use Secret Sound Transmission.

Li Qian frowned slightly. Unable to hear their conversation, continuing to observe would be meaningless.

Immediately, he moved, drifting down like a falling leaf, quietly appearing before the two who were secretly communicating.

Seeing the figure in the black cloak appear like a ghost, the two were startled. Almost instantly, they attacked Li Qian without hesitation.

One drew their sword, thrusting towards Li Qian. The sharp sword light bloomed like a venomous snake.

The other directly shot hidden weapons, steel needles as fine as ox hair, shooting towards him.

Li Qian simply waved his hand, deflecting all the needles like blades of grass onto the nearby trees. As for the sword thrusting towards him, he reached out and grabbed it, breaking the sword light with his bare hand and catching the blade.

Then, with a flick of his wrist, the opponent’s sword flew out of their hand.

The eyes of the two, hidden under their masks, revealed fear and shock.

They turned to flee.

But the next moment, their bodies trembled, becoming stiff and slow. Following closely, Li Qian flew up, clasped the back of their necks with one hand, and lifted them up.

Divine Sword Hall.

The lights were still on.

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and several Peak Masters were still discussing matters throughout the night.

“According to the news from Grand Martial Uncle, the Grand Empress Dowager is planning to take action against Prince Luo’s Residence. Our Divine Sword Sect, being within the Taixing Circuit, will definitely not be able to stay out of it.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu sighed.

During the previous rebellion in the Jade Capital, the Divine Sword Sect had suffered significant losses.

If they were to take action against Prince Luo’s Residence, the Divine Sword Sect would definitely be involved. The extent of their losses would be unknown.

“Sect Master, if we eliminate Prince Luo’s Residence, it would be extremely beneficial for the future development of our Divine Sword Sect.”

Spiritual Void Peak Master Wei Quansheng said, “Without Prince Luo’s Residence, the imperial clan, in order to strengthen their control over the Taixing Circuit, will definitely strongly support our Divine Sword Sect.”

“That’s not necessarily true. If I were the Grand Empress Dowager, while weakening the local feudal lords and major martial arts sects, I would also support new martial arts forces, thus forming a more balanced situation in the Taixing Circuit that would be more favorable for the imperial clan’s control.”

Unity Peak Master Hou Shuwen shook his head.

He knew that the Grand Empress Dowager was extremely shrewd. From the aftermath of the Jade Capital rebellion, it could be seen that she didn’t immediately take action against the forces behind the rebellion, but instead focused on appeasement and consolidating her own authority as the acting Martial Emperor.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m worried about. Grand Martial Uncle has been unable to return, ostensibly to recuperate, but isn’t it also an opportunity for the Grand Empress Dowager to strengthen her control over our Divine Sword Sect?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu sighed.

After all, the Grand Empress Dowager wasn’t the true Martial Emperor of the Chai Imperial Clan, but merely an acting one.

In the future, she would definitely have to hand over power to the Martial Prince.

But the problem was, who knew how long it would take for the Martial Prince to grow up?

During this period, in order to strengthen her authority as the acting Martial Emperor, the Grand Empress Dowager would inevitably purge the rebellious forces, while simultaneously employing both kindness and might to strengthen her control over forces like the Divine Sword Sect.

“Who’s there?”

At this moment, a sharp shout suddenly rang out from outside the hall.

The next moment, Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the several Peak Masters reacted simultaneously, quickly flying out of the Divine Sword Hall.

They saw two people lying on the plaza outside the hall.

“What happened?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu asked in a deep voice.

“Master, just now a black shadow flew past quickly from the sky, and then these two people fell down.”

The one guarding the Divine Sword Hall’s gate was Sect Master Feng Shaoyu’s Direct Disciple, Lei Zhao.

“Did you see who it was?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu asked.

“I didn’t see clearly, it was too fast, like a black shadow.”

Lei Zhao shook his head.

He was also puzzled. He was an Innate Martial Artist, only a step away from the Grandmaster level, yet he couldn’t even catch a glimpse of the person.

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the several Peak Masters walked over to the two people on the plaza.

Both were dressed in night clothes and had their faces covered.

They weren’t dead, just immobilized by having their acupoints sealed.

“Remove their masks.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu instructed.

“Yes, Master.”

Lei Zhao quickly stepped forward and removed the masks of the two people on the ground.

One was a stranger.

The other, however, made Lei Zhao stunned, “Elder Yuan?”

This person was an Elder of the Divine Sword Sect.

Elder Yuan’s face was ashen, and he closed his eyes.

Although he didn’t know who had captured him, now that he had been thrown at the entrance of the Divine Sword Hall, with the Sect Master and several Peak Masters present, no amount of disguise would be of any use.

The other person’s face also looked unpleasant.

“Is this person from our Divine Sword Sect?”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu glanced at Elder Yuan and the other person, seemingly understanding something. He immediately asked.

◈◈◈

“Master, I’ve basically seen all the Innate level and above martial artists in the Divine Sword Sect, and there’s no such person.”

Lei Zhao shook his head.

He had just probed this person’s body and sensed a faint fluctuation of Innate True Qi. They were definitely an Innate Martial Artist.

“So, this person is an outsider.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu nodded, extending a finger. A burst of True Qi shot out, unsealing Elder Yuan’s mute acupoint, “Elder Yuan, speak, what were you doing meeting with this person late at night?”

Elder Yuan remained silent.

“Peak Master Xie, personally escort them to the Punishment Hall and interrogate them thoroughly.”

Seeing this, Sect Master Feng Shaoyu waved his hand.

Elder Yuan, who had been silent, turned pale.

Because he knew all too well what the Punishment Hall was.

“Alright.”

Martial Melody Peak Master Xie Tiancheng nodded and immediately took the two to the Punishment Hall.

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the other Peak Masters returned to the hall and waited patiently.

Less than half an hour later, Martial Melody Peak Master Xie Tiancheng returned, his face grim. He held a stack of papers in his hand, all information extracted through interrogation.

After Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the others read through them one by one, their faces became solemn.

“It seems that Prince Luo’s Residence has received the news in advance and is preparing to strike first, quickly taking down our Divine Sword Sect, and then raising the banner of rebellion against the Grand Empress Dowager under the pretext of purging the court and pacifying the nation.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said in a deep voice.

“I didn’t expect the Mysterious Netherworld Sect and the Purple Cloud Sect to fully side with Prince Luo’s Residence.”

Purple Lightning Peak Master Wan Xianggu frowned.

“It’s normal for them to side with Prince Luo’s Residence. After the previous Jade Capital rebellion, they had no way out. But I wonder what the Hundred Flowers Palace’s stance is? If they also side with Prince Luo’s Residence, then our Divine Sword Sect will be in danger.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu shook his head.

“The Hundred Flowers Palace has always remained neutral, they shouldn’t side with Prince Luo’s Residence.”

Unity Peak Master Hou Shuwen analyzed, “Geographically speaking, the location of our Divine Sword Sect controls the passage connecting the Kunwu Circuit and the Taixing Circuit. Prince Ye, who governs the Kunwu Circuit, is of the founding emperor’s lineage. During this Jade Capital rebellion, Prince Ye’s Residence clearly supported the imperial clan. If they were to deal with Prince Luo’s Residence, Prince Ye’s army would definitely be the vanguard. Therefore, if Prince Luo’s Residence wants to cut off the passage for Prince Ye’s army through the Great Kunlun Mountains in the future, they must first take down our Divine Sword Sect.”

“Then what should we do? Quickly send a Flying Eagle Message to Grand Martial Uncle for help?”

Martial Melody Peak Master Xie Tiancheng said.

“The Jade Capital is too far away. Even if Grand Martial Uncle receives the news and rushes back to support us immediately, it will take at least ten days. Moreover, the Jade Capital may not be able to send any other support forces. I estimate that this rebellion is not just Prince Luo’s Residence, but other feudal lords and martial arts forces will also participate. Therefore, even if Grand Martial Uncle can return in time, with just him, a single Celestial Being, it may not be enough to withstand Prince Luo’s Residence’s attack.”

Hou Shuwen shook his head.

“Yes, fortunately, we obtained the intelligence in advance. Otherwise, without any preparation, the consequences would be unimaginable. Besides sending a Flying Eagle Message to the Jade Capital, we must also seek help from Prince Ye’s Residence.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu nodded. He knew the situation was urgent.

If they were not careful, the Divine Sword Sect might truly face utter destruction.

“Who do you think captured those two?”

Martial Melody Peak Master Xie Tiancheng suddenly asked.

“Yuan Han is already a Grandmaster level expert, and that person from Prince Luo’s Residence is probably not much different. To be able to capture both of them without harming them, even I would find it difficult to achieve such a level of skill.”

Unity Peak Master Hou Shuwen said in a deep voice.

He was the oldest among all the Peak Masters and had long reached the ranks of Top-Tier Grandmaster. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was the strongest person in the Divine Sword Sect besides Celestial Being Xiao.

With his strength, killing two Grandmasters would be a piece of cake.

Even capturing them alive wouldn’t be a problem.

But to capture them alive without any harm would be difficult.

“Do you remember, Grand Martial Uncle once said that he encountered a mysterious expert with True Image Level Sword Intent in our Divine Sword Sect?”

Hou Shuwen changed the subject.

He originally thought that Celestial Being Xiao must have been mistaken. How could there be another Celestial Being hidden within the Divine Sword Sect?

There were only so many experts.

If there really was one, they wouldn’t hide their identity.

But now, that mysterious person had captured these two alive for the Divine Sword Sect, uncovering a conspiracy against the sect in advance.

Therefore, that mysterious person must be from the Divine Sword Sect.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have done such a thing.

But why would they hide their identity?

And, with such strong cultivation and strength, who could they be?

All the Peak Masters were present.

Among the Sword Envoys and Elders with Real Authority, there couldn’t be such a powerful existence.

Everyone present found it difficult to comprehend.

“Regardless of who that mysterious person is, no matter what, they have no hostility towards our Divine Sword Sect, and are even biased towards us. Therefore, what we need to do now is make adequate preparations to deal with Prince Luo’s Residence.”

Sect Master Feng Shaoyu said.

Everyone nodded in agreement, and then they began to deploy and prepare for the impending attack from Prince Luo’s Residence.

Li Qian didn’t linger at the Divine Sword Hall. After leaving the two captives, he returned to the Time Bell Pavilion.

He accomplished his task and left without seeking credit or fame.

He believed that the Divine Sword Sect had ways to make those two talk.

Taking off his black cloak and storing it in the black iron ring, Li Qian sat cross-legged on the Time Bell Pavilion, cultivating and calming his mind, waiting for the arrival of the Mao Hour.

In the following days, the Divine Sword Sect took major actions.

First, they ordered the Inner Sect Disciples stationed in various locations to switch from overt to covert operations, converging towards several important prefecture-level strongholds.

The Divine Sword Sect also dispatched some Elder level experts to secretly enter these important strongholds, thereby strengthening their defenses.

If Prince Luo’s Residence wanted to deal with the Divine Sword Sect, they would definitely eliminate the outer strongholds first.

Especially important cities like Xuan Province Smelting City, which held rich iron ore deposits, could not be abandoned.

Once Prince Luo’s Residence occupied it, it would be equivalent to controlling the source of fine iron, allowing them to continuously forge weapons and armor and rapidly expand their Martial Arts Legion.

Internally, the Divine Sword Sect also made important deployments. To prevent enemy infiltration, they assigned Inner Sect Disciples to patrol some of the mountain areas around the sect.

In addition, the Divine Sword Sect began to recall some of their retired elders who still possessed combat strength.

Some martial arts families and forces established by past generations of Inner Sect Disciples were also secretly mobilized. This was an extremely strong potential force.

The Divine Sword Sect had a long history. Unless they could hold positions like elders in the sect, many Inner Sect Disciples would choose to return to their hometowns and establish and manage family forces after a certain period.

Martial arts forces with close ties to the Divine Sword Sect were ubiquitous within the sect’s sphere of influence.

This was also an important factor in shaping the Divine Sword Sect’s sphere of influence.

Li Qian naturally noticed such a large-scale mobilization.

It seemed that he had indeed caught a big fish before.

However, he still continued his daily bell-ringing cultivation, as if he hadn’t sensed the tense situation outside.

If a war were to break out, all he could do was face it head-on.

With his strength, he was confident that unless a Celestial Being intervened, there shouldn’t be any major problems.

Of course, if a Celestial Being did appear, it would be best for him to grab the Time Bell and run as far away as possible.

As long as he stayed alive, there would be hope for revenge.

He could wait until he became stronger in the future and then avenge the Divine Sword Sect. There was no need to sacrifice himself in vain.

Of course, this was only a possibility in the worst-case scenario.