The next day.
Having received word ahead of time, Zhao Wuji had already calmed down completely. Once he learned that his father had even managed to invite Sect Master Lin Xiao himself, Zhao Wuji felt more reassured than ever.
So what if the Sect Master of Kunlun Sword Sect was here?
He had his own powerful backer.
Now that his father had reached the Mahayana stage, he likely held considerable sway within Qingxiao Pavilion. Otherwise, how could he have convinced Sect Master Lin to make a personal appearance?
From now on, the lives of Zhao Wuji and the people of Tianxing Sect were worlds apart, separated by a chasm too vast to cross. Those three heavyweights might be competing to take Yun Jin as a disciple. It seemed like a golden opportunity for her, but in truth, it was also the seed of disaster.
They were all giants. No matter who she chose, she would inevitably offend the other two. In the end, she might fail to secure a backer and instead make several enemies.
But him?
His backer was his own father. Blood ties were far more reliable than any illusory bond of master and disciple.
Yun Jin's so-called supporters might walk away or abandon her. His father, however, would never leave him behind.
As they approached Tianxing Sect, Zhao Ling sent word ahead. Zhao Wuji, upon receiving the message, began making arrangements immediately. This time, it was not just his father. Sect Master Lin Xiao of Qingxiao Pavilion was coming in person.
Qingxiao Pavilion placed great emphasis on hierarchy, decorum, and appearances. With Sect Master Lin personally visiting, Zhao Wuji could not afford to let him arrive without proper ceremony. His father's advance message likely hinted at that too.
Lin Xiao's arrival had to make an impact. The reception must be flawless. If he managed to impress Sect Master Lin, perhaps he could use this connection to ascend even faster in the future.
As his father said, one family, two Mahayana cultivators, that would become a tale worth celebrating. He hadn't forgotten about his little disciple, either. If he could please Lin Xiao, and Lin Xiao was willing to speak on his behalf, then maybe the matter of Ye Danxia could be quietly buried as well.
Zhao Wuji didn't understand the complicated relationships between these major figures. He simply thought, since they were all of the same level, Lin Xiao's word would surely carry weight. Once he spoke, wouldn't the others give him face?
He could escape this mess and have Ye Danxia's name cleared in the process. A simple matter, surely. After all, Ye Danxia hadn't actually done any lasting harm to Yun Jin. And if Lin Xiao vouched for her, would Yun Jin really dare to keep holding a grudge?
With these calculations in mind, Zhao Wuji went straight to the three Grand Elders. The moment they heard that the Pavilion Master of Qingxiao was coming personally, the three Grand Elders were visibly startled.
Kunlun Sword Sect.
Qingxiao Pavilion.
Xuandan Gate.
Beastmaster Sect.
The four great Holy Lands had somehow gathered in this tiny Tianxing Sect?
But was that really a good thing?
The expressions on the Grand Elders' faces were uneasy.
Those three powerhouses had clearly come for Yun Jin. After visiting Tianjian Peak, they hadn't shown themselves again. Aside from creating some gossip, they hadn't caused any real disturbance.
The only one who had suffered a bit was Zhao Wuji, standing right in front of them. But now, Zhao Wuji had somehow managed to bring Sect Master Lin Xiao here.
What was he planning?
A direct clash?
No one could say who would win, but once these people started fighting, could Tianxing Sect even survive?
The Grand Elders instantly realized something.
This might be the greatest crisis Tianxing Sect had faced since its founding.
"Wuji, what is the purpose of Sect Master Lin's visit?" one elder asked cautiously.
Zhao Wuji smiled. "Tianxing Sect lies within Qingxiao Pavilion's jurisdiction. Isn't it normal for Sect Master Lin to stop by for an occasional inspection?"
The elders wanted to ask more, but Zhao Wuji's tone turned cold as he spoke slowly. "If I were you, I wouldn't pry into the reasons behind Sect Master Lin's visit. You should consider this: someone of his stature is coming in person. That is both a blessing and a test. If we can make a good impression, Tianxing Sect might one day rise to become an upper-rank or even a super sect. But if we fail to please him... don't forget, we are under Qingxiao Pavilion's rule."
There was an edge of threat in his voice. The Grand Elders looked grim. They knew that if Qingxiao Pavilion wanted to move against them, there were a thousand ways to do it. They couldn't even afford to offend a high-rank sect, let alone one of the four transcendent Holy Lands.
"So what do you suggest we do?" one elder finally asked.
Zhao Wuji's lips curled in a slight smile. "Simple. We use the highest-level welcome available. Has the Tianxing Bell ever been rung nine times? This is the moment. If not now, then when?"
The elders exchanged looks.
Nine rings of the Tianxing Bell signified an event of the utmost importance.
But ringing it nine times was no easy feat. Even with three of them working together, they would be left drained for days.
The bell had effects beyond just a signal.
If set to defense, it would cloak the entire sect in a protective barrier. As long as the bell's energy remained, the barrier would not fall. It was a last line of defense in times of existential crisis.
If set to reception, rare spiritual flowers and grasses would bloom across the mountain, filling the air with fragrance and beauty. Even the spirit fields would grow more fertile for a time. It was the most extravagant gesture Tianxing Sect could offer its guests.
"This bell is the only asset our sect can truly boast," Zhao Wuji said. "If Sect Master Lin arrives, having given advance notice, and finds that you weren't even willing to ring the bell, what would he think of us? Would he not leave with a grudge against Tianxing Sect? Whether you choose to act or not, that's your call."
But his confidence said otherwise. He knew the elders couldn't afford to gamble. And sure enough, after a moment of silence, the female elder in the center let out a soft sigh. "Sound the Tianxing Bell."
When Ji Wusi and the others had descended, they hadn't known in advance. That was understandable. But now Lin Xiao had given notice, and Zhao Wuji himself had brought up the bell.
Refusing now would be asking for trouble.
"You've made the right decision," Zhao Wuji said with a faint smile. "And one more thing. Once the bell rings nine times, all disciples of the sect are required to gather. That includes my disciple, who is currently imprisoned in Heshan. Naturally, she will need to be temporarily released."
The elders stared at him. His meaning was clear.
He intended to use this as an opportunity to free Ye Danxia.
But did he really think Yun Jin would just let that go?
It seemed Lin Xiao's arrival had given Zhao Wuji too much confidence.
Yet, for some reason, the Grand Elders had a strange feeling. Even Lin Xiao might not have the final word in this.
Still, they were just Grand Elders. Compared to those giants, they were no better than newborn infants. They couldn't afford to offend either side. They could only survive in the cracks between powers far beyond their reach.
Just like Tianxing Sect itself.
Whether they lived or died depended entirely on the whims of others.
Perhaps this was the cruel truth: being weak was the original sin.