Chapter 511

This declaration caused shock among everyone and various discussions.

But as Lanxue's decision came, a tense atmosphere spread throughout the hall.

「Hidden Shadow Sect? 」

An Luofeng looked at Lanxue with a puzzled expression, "Who exactly are they?"

Lu Yuan's eyes flashed, recalling what had happened earlier in Qingfeng Village.

At that time, Hanxue had mentioned the Hidden Shadow Sect, which seemed to be a force hidden in the shadows.

"Lanxue, why do you want to return the badge to them?"

"Who exactly are they?" the Supreme Dao Ancestor asked first.

Lanxue fell silent for a moment, then slowly said: "I previously received a letter, from a messenger of the Hidden Shadow Sect."

"The letter told me that the Red Lotus Sect is not the true enemy, but a greater force hidden in the shadows."

Everyone's hearts jumped.

Molie also came over, eagerly awaiting the details.

"The messenger told me that the Red Lotus Sect is merely a tool used by the Hidden Shadow Sect to attract attention and divert our focus."

"Their purpose is to obtain a legendary treasure," Lanxue said solemnly.

"Treasure?" Everyone was doubtful.

Lanxue nodded: "This treasure is said to possess infinite power, capable of changing the entire Xian Jie."

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces showed a solemn expression.

They finally understood that the Lingxiao Palace's determination to silence anyone who might oppose them was actually to obtain this treasure. In the Cangqiong Holy Realm, a tense atmosphere enveloped everyone.

Xia Lingyun felt that the chaotic scene needed to be restabilized and unified; he hoped to ease the situation and find a better solution.

Heavenly Wind Swordsman stood before Hanxue, his gaze fixed firmly on her.

He successfully suppressed Hanxue, leaving her unable to counterattack.

"You must hand over Hanxue!"

"Otherwise we will have no choice but to take action."

His voice conveyed firmness and dignity.

Xia Lingyun hesitated in his heart.

He knew that handing over Hanxue might ease the current crisis, but it would also harm Lu Yuan and others.

"Heavenly Wind Swordsman Sir, please give me some time."

He tried to ease the tense atmosphere: "I will find a way to solve this problem."

The Heavenly Wind Swordsman fell silent for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

As a smart and responsible person, Xia Lingyun always finds the best solution.

But at the same time, he clearly understands his own power and the meaning of his existence.

Xia Lingyun turned to the crowd: "What should we do?"

Although I don't want to see anyone hurt, the crisis is real.

Lu Yuan gripped the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword tightly, his eyes firm.

"We cannot yield to fear and threats!"

"We fight for justice."

Su Liyan stood beside Lu Yuan, waving the Ice Crystal Long Whip, her eyes firm.

We have a duty to protect the interests of the Hidden Shadow Sect; we cannot let the Red Lotus Sect succeed.

An Luofeng quietly looked at everyone; she knew in her heart that a choice must be made: "We cannot allow the Red Lotus Sect to destroy the Cangqiong Holy Realm."

"Now it seems we can only rely on ourselves." Everyone fell silent for a moment, watching Xia Lingyun's expression, awaiting his decision.

Xia Lingyun fell into thought, scanning the tense faces of the crowd, he deeply felt the weight of the heavy responsibility at this moment.

Just as the atmosphere grew solemn, a light figure flashed into view.

Mo Di flew down from the sky, landing before everyone: "Don't make things difficult for you."

He smiled and spoke.

Everyone turned their heads to look at him, astonished in their hearts.

"I have a proposal that might resolve the current predicament."

Mo Di glanced around; it was obvious he had already considered this plan: "We can hand over the Phantom Fire to the Qingyun Pavilion and the Heavenly Wind Swordsman as compensation."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this proposal, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan were both stunned.

An Luofeng raised her head to look at Mo Di: "Is this... feasible?"

"The Phantom Fire is a very important treasure for us."

Mo Di smiled: "Yes, the Phantom Fire is not an ordinary treasure."

"However, if we can use the Phantom Fire as compensation at this special moment, it is undoubtedly the best choice."

"This can both appease the Qingyun Pavilion and the Heavenly Wind Swordsman's emotions and avoid greater trouble."

Xia Lingyun furrowed his brows; he understood Mo Di's intention, but he still hesitated somewhat about handing over the Phantom Fire.

The Phantom Fire is not only a precious treasure, but also a significant existence in the Xiuzhen Jie.

It possesses boundless immortal power, and to cultivators its value is immeasurable.

Lu Yuan glanced at Su Liyan; in her eyes he could also see hesitation and worry.

"The Phantom Fire is too important for us; if we hand it over, it could bring unforeseeable consequences." Lu Yuan frowned tightly, realizing that Mo Di's proposal indeed had some feasibility.

If we could hand over the Phantom Fire to the Qingyun Pavilion and the Heavenly Wind Swordsman as compensation, perhaps we could appease their anger and avoid greater conflict.

However, his high regard for the Phantom Fire made it difficult for him to decide.

Su Liyan looked at Lu Yuan's expression, knowing his inner feelings must be conflicted.

She gently patted Lu Yuan's shoulder, signalling him not to overthink, "We need to consider the bigger picture."

She said softly, "If we can protect the Azure Firmament Holy Land this way, then giving up the Phantom Fire might be worthwhile."

Xia Lingyun watched as everyone struggled to make a choice, knowing that at this moment this proposal had become the only viable option.

"Since everyone thinks this is the best choice, let's do as Mo Di said."

He sighed, "Let's treat the Phantom Fire as a sacrifice we make to protect the Azure Firmament Holy Land."

Mo Di smiled and nodded, "Sometimes making a sacrifice is necessary."

He turned to look at Liu Xingyu, "We will set a time limit for this; if the Hidden Shadow Sect cannot provide a satisfactory response within the set time, then the Azure Cloud Pavilion and our allies will launch a joint attack."

Liu Xingyu took a deep breath, a hint of helplessness flashing across his face.

He tried to protect Han Xue from being implicated, but reality told him he could only accept this outcome.

"I will do my best to persuade the Hidden Shadow Sect," he said solemnly.

"Good."

Xia Lingyun nodded, "Mo Di, please lead some of our companions to the Azure Firmament Holy Land."

"Monitor the Hidden Shadow Sect's movements and ensure they observe the stipulated time limit."

Mo Di smiled and performed a salute, "Thanks to Young Master Xia's favor, Mo Di will surely give his all."

Lu Yuan, Su Liyan, and An Luofeng watched Mo Di's departing figure with heavy hearts.

Although this choice left everyone feeling unwilling, they knew that facing such a perilous situation, only this could protect the Azure Firmament Holy Land. Lu Yuan alone came to a secret chamber in Heavenly Initiation Valley, this being the place where he communed with the Supreme Dao Ancestor. (End of chapter)