Daoist Competition

Su Clan! Betrayal of the sect!

Once these words were spoken, the hall erupted in shock. The True Masters of the noble families momentarily turned over countless thoughts in their minds, and almost instantly understood the intention behind the Sect Leader’s decision. A cold shiver ran down their hearts.

Within the noble families, the collective power of the Five Clans accounted for seventy to eighty percent of the strength. The Su Clan, being one of the Five Great Clans, boasted thousands of years of heritage with deep and sprawling roots — a force not to be underestimated. Should it be eradicated, the noble families would suffer a significant loss in power.

The disciples outside the hall, upon hearing the words spoken within, were initially stunned on the spot, but moments later, joy began to surface on their faces.

Though Zhang Yan, seated outside, had long harbored suspicions in his heart, hearing the truth now brought him a sense of relief. He thought to himself, "The matter is decided!"

It wasn’t that his calculations were particularly ingenious, but rather, that he happened to know of the Su Clan’s intent to betray the sect. By piecing together various fragments, he could deduce this conclusion.

From the perspective of a Sect Leader, since his own lineage had now revived and risen, it was imperative to wrest resources back from the noble families — choosing an ideal breakthrough point was crucial.

The Su Clan, lacking a Cave Heaven True Master to oversee them, was clearly the best choice.

If the Sect Leader could eliminate an entire Great Clan, it would not only weaken the noble family factions but also vacate a seat among the Top Ten Disciples while enhancing his own prestige. It would be a triple victory!

At that time, Zhang Yan had merely considered such a possibility but didn’t feel confident in it. Thus, he cautiously remained within the bounds of broader circumstances, not daring to step beyond the established limits.

However, when the Sect Leader’s lineage utterly retreated and seemingly made no move during the great competition, Zhang Yan instead became certain of his hunch.

Thinking deeper into this, the matter of the True Dragon Mansion was significant. Beforehand, no one had known its location, and it was likely that the Sect Leader deliberately leaked its whereabouts as bait early on, luring the Su Clan into taking the bait.

One must know that the Su Clan’s Cave Heaven True Master had long passed away — their greatest vulnerability. Yet the True Dragon Mansion and Dragon Relics were treasures that, if acquired, could potentially allow them to produce another Cave Heaven True Master. Although this went against the Ancestor Master’s sect rules, they likely felt compelled to take the risk.

If this truly were the case, the Sect Leader’s schemes ran as deep as the ocean. Perhaps such plans had been brewing ever since the upheaval within the sect years ago, and now, they were abruptly unleashed to strike a fatal blow, severing a major branch of the noble family faction in one fell swoop.

After hearing Miao Kun’s statements, Master Han spoke with a strained tone, "Sect Leader Brother, based solely on the words of one individual, isn’t it insufficient to pass judgment?"

Sect Leader Qin nodded and replied, "Junior Brother Han, your caution is warranted."

Master Han’s heart sank with dread, realizing immediately that the Sect Leader had already prepared thoroughly.

Sect Leader Qin raised a hand, summoning a token talisman. He pointed, conjuring a clear Water Mirror, and with a wave of his sleeve, a scene unfolded within.

Everyone’s gaze converged upon the image. Five individuals were seated before a Stone Gate, urging the prohibition and employing the Mysterious Skill to activate its sealing techniques.

Sect Leader Qin said, "This method was established personally by the Ancestor Master in those years, as a precaution against anyone secretly tampering with the restrictions. Observe carefully — can you recognize who they are?"

The True Masters scrutinized the scene and clearly saw that the individuals in question were five Nascent Soul True Masters from the Su Clan. They were rendered speechless, their hearts filled with dread. Just the accusation of breaking the Ancestor Master’s prohibition would cost these five their lives — though even that might seem insufficient. Yet should the other four clans negotiate slightly, it might absolve their younger generations from guilt. However, the Sect Leader clearly intended for Miao Kun’s testimony to charge the entire Su Clan with the crime of betrayal of the sect. This was evidently aimed at annihilating the Su Clan entirely, leaving none behind.

Why now though, and why right after the great competition?

No one believed that the Sect Leader had only just confirmed such acts; it was evident he had long prepared, holding back until the opportune moment to strike.

The noble families’ four True Masters shivered involuntarily, realizing now why the Sect Leader’s lineage had remained indifferent to Ning Chongxuan’s ascension. As long as the Su Clan was wiped out, a vacant position would invariably arise.

This was indeed cutting off their lifeline!

Master Chen secretly thought to himself that the Su Clan had sought their own doom and bore none of the blame on others. Moreover, this was the unforgivable crime of betraying one’s master and ancestor. Now that it was confirmed, there could be no hesitation in dealing with them. With decisive resolve gleaming on his face, he declared righteously, "The Su Clan has disregarded the sect’s grace, attempted to breach the prohibition and establish themselves independently, betraying their masters and ancestors. The crime alone warrants extermination. They must be destroyed!"

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True Master Meng raised a hand in salute to the seat above and said loudly, "Sect Leader, please issue the Dharma Decree to purge the clan and eradicate the Su Clan!"

As soon as he spoke, True Masters Zhu, Yan, and Sun followed in unison, saying, "Sect Leader, please issue the Dharma Decree to purge the clan and eradicate the Su Clan!"

True Masters Xiao, Du, and Han, seeing the matter was now irreversible, reluctantly echoed, "Sect Leader, please issue the Dharma Decree to purge the clan and eradicate the Su Clan!"

Sect Leader Qin nodded calmly and said, "The Su Clan must be exterminated. However, this clan has no Cave Heaven True Master remaining, only five Nascent Soul cultivators. There is no need for you to personally intervene. This matter may be handled by the younger generation. You may remain here and await news."

The four True Masters of the noble families could only acquiesce helplessly, understanding that the Sect Leader sought to prevent any leaks, lest someone from the Su Clan escape. Thus, keeping them here was a veiled way of ensuring their silence. At that moment, none dared defy the Sect Leader’s orders and leave the hall.

Sect Leader Qin turned to the attendant child beside him and said, "Summon Yun Tian."

The child accepted the order and departed.

Not long after, Qi Yun Tian arrived at the hall, performing formal greetings. "Disciple Qi Yun Tian pays respect to the Sect Leader, honorable master, and esteemed True Masters."

Sect Leader Qin smiled and said, "Yun Tian, you need not bow. Standing outside the hall, I presume you’ve already heard of this matter. The task of exterminating the Su Clan will be entrusted to you. I grant you this Golden Talisman Jade Seal. Disciples and elders of the sect are at your disposal."

He raised his hand, releasing a golden light that descended.

Qi Yun Tian extended his hand, catching it, and declared loudly, "Disciple accepts the order."

Sect Leader Qin lightly waved his sleeve and smiled, "Go forth."

Qi Yun Tian bowed deeply before exiting the hall.

At this moment, Master Sun’s expression shifted, and he spoke up, "Honorable master, since the Su Clan must be eliminated, their place among the Top Ten Disciples will be vacant. Whom does master favor for this position?"

Just then, a voice rang out from outside the hall, "Sect Leader Brother, Huang Fuzhou is a remarkable talent within the sect and deserves this position."

With those words, True Master Qin entered the hall, his robes billowing with grace.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)