Chapter 98

"Hm? Tell me more!"

Hu Long, lord of Luofeng Sect, furrowed his brows, sensing something amiss.

Seeing this, all the Elders' expressions of displeasure vanished instantly, replaced by grave solemnity.

As everyone turned to look at him, the gray-robed disciple felt a chill run through him, his nerves tightening.

But remembering the shocking news he'd heard from others, he clenched his eyes shut, suppressed his fear, faced the crowd, and said: "It's Qianshan Sect! I just heard—yesterday, Qianshan Sect suffered a catastrophe, and is now utterly destroyed!!"

His words exploded like a thunderclap in the hearts of all present!

Qianshan Sect was wiped out?

Hu Long and the Elders exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock and doubt.

Over the years, due to resource disputes, Luofeng Sect and Qianshan Sect had accumulated deep grievances.

As the saying goes, one's fiercest rival often knows them best.

Thus, they understood better than anyone the true depth and strength of Qianshan Sect, and the terrifying power of its lord, Kou Tongguang.

That level of power even outmatched their own lord—he was no match for him.

Yet despite all that, Qianshan Sect had been suddenly annihilated.

Strange—according to the intelligence gathered in recent days, there was no report of Qianshan Sect provoking any untouchable force?

The Elders wore expressions of utter confusion, completely baffled by this turn of events.

Only Hu Long, of the Yuanhai realm, quickly recovered, then spoke in a low tone: "Do you know who was responsible for wiping out Qianshan Sect?"

At his words, all the Elders turned their gazes sharply upon him.

Feeling dozens of piercing stares bore into him, the gray-robed disciple's legs went weak—he nearly wet himself.

"R-Report, my lord—Qianshan Sect was destroyed by Jiang Daoxuan, head of the Jiang Clan. It's said that yesterday, Jiang Daoxuan slew Lord Kou with a single strike..."

As the gray-robed disciple spoke, all present trembled inwardly, their faces etched with horror.

Could Jiang Daoxuan really have slain Kou Tongguang with one blow? Is he a Starwheel realm master?!

Hu Long fell silent for a moment, then asked: "The Jiang Clan? Do you mean the Fengbai Jiang Clan?"

In this region, the only Jiang Clan capable of killing Kou Tongguang with a single strike was the one based in Fengbai City, guarded by a Starwheel realm ancestor!

If it truly was Fengbai Jiang Clan that struck, then their old rival died no more than he deserved.

Yet, unexpectedly—

The gray-robed disciple shook his head: "According to my inquiries, this Jiang Clan is not Fengbai Jiang Clan—it's the Wudan City Jiang Clan..."

At this, everyone was stunned, nearly certain they'd misheard.

Wudan City?

Due to its distance, they had little familiarity with the place.

Seeing their confusion, the gray-robed disciple dared not conceal anything—he spilled every detail he'd uncovered!

After hearing the Jiang Clan's deeds, all fell silent, deeply shaken.

Finally, one Elder broke the quiet: "This Jiang Clan is rising so rapidly, and Jiang Jianzong's power is terrifying. After destroying Qianshan Sect, he may become the dominant force here. Should we prepare gifts and send envoys to cultivate ties with the Jiang Clan?"

"I agree. In the past, Qianshan Sect relied on Kou Tongguang's strength and looked down on us. Now that they're gone, it's a relief. We have no feud with the Jiang Clan—let's try to befriend them!"

"Jiang Daoxuan, as clan head, surely understands it's better to have one more friend than one more enemy. When we extend goodwill, he won't refuse..."

The Elders debated among themselves, and Hu Long himself began to feel persuaded.

After all, Jiang Daoxuan was suspected to be a Starwheel realm master—if he turned on Luofeng Sect, none could stand against him; they'd meet the same fate as Qianshan.

Thus, to avoid risk and establish ties in advance was clearly the wisest course.

Thinking this, Hu Long made no further hesitation: "Then hurry—prepare the gifts! I shall go personally to Cangwu Mountain to visit Jiang Jianzong!"

All the Elders bowed in unison: "Yes."

They could still tell what was truly important.

The Jiang Clan was too powerful—Luofeng Sect's meager resources could never afford to antagonize them!

Better to set pride aside and forge ties early.