The Wang Clan Patriarch became the center of everyone's attention. Even the guests who were about to leave halted their steps.
Are you kidding me?
A Heaven-Man Realm expert just spoke—who would dare just walk away?
All eyes turned toward the lavishly dressed elder—some puzzled, some starting to feel uneasy. Something didn't seem right. On such an occasion, by reason or etiquette, it shouldn't be the Wang Clan Patriarch speaking up. And what he said didn't sound like mere words of retention either.
Ning Qi's eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly stood up.
Daoist Longshan frowned and asked,
"Wang Clan Patriarch, what is the meaning of this?"
The other Heaven-Man experts all looked somewhat surprised.
The Wang Clan Patriarch remained calm and composed. He first cupped his hands in apology toward Daoist Longshan and said,
"I have come this time with a grave responsibility. I hope Daoist Longshan will forgive me."
Daoist Longshan had a bad feeling in his heart.
Then they saw the Wang Clan Patriarch rise into the air. With his left hand behind his back, he pulled out a golden token from his robe with his right hand and held it high above his head. The token emitted a strange fluctuation.
Upon seeing it, some people's expressions turned serious in an instant, and a hint of reverence appeared in their eyes—even the Heaven-Man experts were no exception.
Great Yan Martial Saint Token!
To see this token was as if seeing the Martial Saint himself—none dared defy it.
In that instant.
Voices filled with utmost respect echoed throughout the Zhenwu Arena:
"We pay respects to the Martial Saint!"
Numerous martial experts bowed in unison. Even the juniors who were still unsure of what was happening grew tense and mimicked their elders, bowing low. Even the few Heaven-Man experts, though not so humble, slightly inclined their bodies in a gesture of respect.
The Wang Clan Patriarch looked rather pleased with himself. Seeing even the Green Ox Bladesman's expression change gave him a strange sense of satisfaction. He thought to himself that the effort and cost spent to get this assignment had truly paid off.
"It's good that everyone recognizes this token."
"This time, I've come not only to congratulate Daoist Longshan on stepping into the Heaven-Man Realm, but also to carry out an important mission. I will need the full support of all present, so I ask that you not refuse."
His tone was calm, but paired with the Martial Saint Token, it carried an undeniable force.
Yet none dared show even the slightest discontent on their faces.
In recent years, the Great Yan Dynasty had grown weaker and its control loosened, but imperial authority still reigned supreme. Martial sects had to exist under the shadow of that authority. Even if there was dissatisfaction, it could never be shown openly. ř𝐀ƝŐʙÈᶊ
Daoist Longshan shot a cold glance at the Wang Clan Patriarch.
Earlier he had wondered why the Wang Clan Patriarch would come to his Heaven-Man Ceremony. After all, the two had past conflicts. Now it became clear—he wanted to ride the coattails of his ceremony. The realization stirred a flicker of anger in his heart—he felt played.
Think about it. For the Wang Clan Patriarch to come with the Martial Saint Token, it couldn't be a trivial matter. The true targets must be the Heaven-Man experts.
Someone like the Wang Clan Patriarch shouldn't have the qualifications to hold the Martial Saint Token. Clearly, there were significant people from the imperial court behind this.
Daoist Longshan gave an apologetic glance toward the Green Ox Bladesman and the others, then coldly asked,
"What exactly is this mission, Wang Clan Patriarch?"
The Wang Clan Patriarch pretended not to hear the displeasure in Daoist Longshan's tone. He originally hadn't wanted to offend him—he had even offered a Condensed Qi Pill earlier to resolve past conflicts. But now, with backing from powerful forces and the Wang Clan's future looking bright, he no longer feared consequences. In fact, part of this was payback for Daoist Longshan's earlier intrusion.
He laughed heartily:
"It's really nothing difficult. With so many strong cultivators here today, it will be a breeze. Especially with Brother Green Ox here—there won't be any problems."
He paused. Seeing that the Green Ox Bladesman didn't even look at him, he grew irritated and continued:
"In recent years, the Demonic Sect has grown rampant, wreaking havoc across the empire. Between Qingzhou and Chuzhou lies a dangerous area known as the Deadfire Abyss. Upon investigation, it has been confirmed that this is one of the Demonic Sect's branch bases, housing many little demon spawns and old demon freaks."
As soon as he said that.
Everyone's expression changed drastically.
The Demonic Sect!
Everyone knew how powerful the Demonic Sect was. In recent years, they'd stirred up countless storms. Rumors tied them to the previous dynasty, like a centipede refusing to die even after being chopped. A hundred years ago, the Great Yan Martial Saint had personally acted due to matters involving the Demonic Sect.
Any dealings with the Demonic Sect were never simple.
Some people already looked grim, having guessed what this was about.
Sure enough.
The Wang Clan Patriarch continued:
"The Governors of both provinces have already dispatched some vanguards. Our task is to provide rapid support and completely eradicate this branch of the Demonic Sect!"
"Today, any martial artist at the Core Formation Realm or higher will follow me. As for the others, you are to remain at Zhenwu Mountain for the next few days. No one is allowed to descend the mountain."
After he finished speaking.
The entire Dao arena fell into silence.
Everyone now understood the Wang Clan Patriarch's purpose. He had used the time and information gap created by Daoist Longshan's Heaven-Man Ceremony—an event well-known to the surrounding provinces, and thus to the Demonic Sect as well.
Now, with so many powerful cultivators suddenly rushing to one of the Demonic Sect's branch bases, the enemy wouldn't have time to call for reinforcements.
The Wang Clan Patriarch was secretly pleased with himself.
When he had proposed this plan, he thought he could bring at most three Heaven-Man experts. But Daoist Longshan had exceeded expectations, bringing two more than anticipated—one of whom was even on the Heaven-Man Ranking.
With that, the operation's success was practically guaranteed.
Though he had offended many today, if the Wang Clan could produce a new Heaven-Man Realm cultivator in the future and gain court support, they would live even better than now.
At this moment.
Many people felt restless, especially those Core Formation Realm experts. Their faces were heavy and grim. They were cursing the Wang Clan Patriarch in their hearts, calling him a son of a b**ch. Think about it—if a Demon Purge required Heaven-Man experts to lead, then the enemies surely had experts of the same level, and likely more than one.
In that case, what could a Core Formation Realm cultivator do? One misstep and they'd die on the spot.
They came to attend a Heaven-Man Ceremony, and now they were being dragged into a deadly mission. This was truly the unluckiest twist of fate.
But no one blamed Daoist Longshan or the Zhenwu Sect. From the current situation, it was clear Daoist Longshan had been set up.
No doubt about it.
The Wang Clan Patriarch was exploiting the momentum of this Heaven-Man Ceremony.
All the Heaven-Man experts glared coldly at him. Lord Xiaoyao even sneered sarcastically:
"Wang Clan Patriarch's concern for Great Yan puts us all to shame. Truly admirable."
The Wang Clan Patriarch just gave a faint smile:
"You flatter me, Lord Xiaoyao. As a citizen of Great Yan, it is only right that I worry for its well-being."
He knew the consequences of stepping forward. A bit of ridicule meant nothing—these people wouldn't dare openly defy him anyway.
The Great Yan Dynasty's deterrent power was still formidable.
After all, the empire didn't just have the Martial Saint—its martial strength was vast.
Daoist Longshan took a deep breath and asked,
"When do we depart?"
As the host of today's Heaven-Man Ceremony, he had to take the initiative.
The Wang Clan Patriarch's face turned solemn:
"Immediately!"