Chapter 786: 786. Chapter 784: Just a Misunderstanding

786. Chapter 784: Just a Misunderstanding

Lu Yuan stepped forward, trying to explain clearly: "Because Hong Yan's mission is confidential and needs to be completed as soon as possible."

"We're worried others might get this immortal herb first."

"There's nothing else like improper dealings."

Zi Xi'er listened to Lu Yuan's explanation, and the doubt on her face gradually faded.

She sighed: "It really was a misunderstanding, sorry."

"It's fine." Lu Yuan said with a smile, "Misunderstandings can be resolved."

"Now we've found the immortal herb, we can leave and continue exploring the market."

Zi Xi'er nodded: "Okay, let's keep going."

After returning to Lei Huo Dan Ge, Lu Yuan, Su Liyan, and the other elders gathered and began discussing recent changes in relations between the South and West Continents in the Xiuzhen Jie.

They nervously exchanged news, learning that the West Continent's Puppet Sect had challenged the local sect, and they thought this might indicate that internal power struggles in the West Continent had reached a white-hot stage.

"Now it's not just a problem in the South Continent; the West Continent is also showing signs of chaos."

"This situation is very dangerous." Su Liyan said worriedly.

Lu Yuan nodded: "Yes, we cannot be careless."

"The Puppet Sect is powerful; if they successfully infiltrate the South Continent, it will be a huge threat to us."

The other elders all expressed agreement.

They realized they must take action to deal with the potential crisis.

"We need to adjust strategy and resource allocation promptly," one elder suggested.

"If the situation worsens further, we need the ability to handle different scenarios and enemies."

Lu Yuan pondered a moment then added: "At the same time, we need to find more sects we can trust and willing to cooperate."

"Only by uniting can we resist the threat from the West Continent."

"We can proactively contact some decent sects to discuss cooperation."

Su Liyan frowned slightly: "This process might be lengthy, and not every sect is willing to cooperate with us."

"We need to gather more intelligence to understand the relations among the various forces in the West Continent."

Lu Yuan nodded in agreement and added: "We also need to expand our influence in the city and post missions at the market to recruit like-minded cultivators to join our alliance."

"This idea is good."

Another elder voiced agreement.

"Only by staying closely connected with other forces in the Xiuzhen Jie can we get help when facing danger."

Su Liyan thought of something: "There's another issue to consider: the Puppet Sect's provocative move might be because they have strong backers or a powerful force behind them."

"We need to find out exactly what support they have received."

Lu Yuan calmly analyzed: "I think they might be receiving support from a certain powerful and deeply hidden cultivator in the West Continent."

"We must act cautiously and not easily expose our strength and resources in the South Continent."

Su Liyan nodded: "Right, we don't yet have enough strength to directly oppose them."

"Steady progress to victory is most important."

The elders all fell silent in thought, knowing they faced a difficult and dangerous battle this time.

"So, what should we do next?"

An elder asked.

Lu Yuan shifted tone: "I think we must first inform the clan chief and other senior colleagues of this intelligence, and jointly discuss countermeasures."

"Also, I suggest purchasing some special immortal materials at the market to strengthen our defenses."

Everyone agreed with Lu Yuan's proposal and decided to act immediately.

As news spread that the Profound Heaven Sect had accepted the Puppet Sect's challenge, all disciples of Lei Huo Dan Ge fell into anger.

The news spread quickly, like a stone thrown into water, stirring up huge waves.

The elders tried to calm the disciples' anger, telling them they must face the challenge calmly, but all persuasion sounded feeble.

Although the conflict between the Puppet Sect and Lei Huo Dan Ge did not spread to other sects in the South Continent, their provocative actions in Heavenly Wind City attracted widespread attention.

Lei Huo Dan Ge's disciples did not yield, mounting a strong response to this challenge.

Although they performed well and gained the upper hand, the conflict still caused some unavoidable losses.

Immediately after the incident, the Supreme Dao Ancestor secretly instructed the elders on how to handle this challenge.

To uphold the sect's dignity and honor, the Supreme Dao Ancestor decided to respond to the Puppet Sect's challenge with ten life-and-death bouts.

As one of Lei Huo Dan Ge's outstanding disciples, Lu Yuan became the top choice to represent the sect in battle.

Su Liyan recommended him for battle, praising his extraordinary strength and his powerful auxiliary treasure, the Stellar Jade Pendant.

After the elders deliberated, they decided to let Lu Yuan participate in this life-and-death bout, believing his ability could showcase Lei Huo Dan Ge's strength and glory.

When everyone gathered in Lei Huo Dan Ge to discuss the next plans, Lu Yuan felt the expectant gazes of all upon him.

For this important task, he felt both nervous and excited.

"Lu Yuan, you are one of our finest disciples."

One elder said solemnly: "I know you possess extraordinary talent and great potential."

"This life-and-death bout will be your chance to show yourself to the Xiuzhen Jie."

"My opinion is the same."

Su Liyan added with a smile: "You also have that Stellar Jade Pendant, which can amplify your power."

"I believe you can complete this task."

Outside Morning Glow City, under everyone's watchful eyes, the life-and-death bout between Lei Huo Dan Ge and the Puppet Sect officially began.

This is the first of ten challenges, and Lei Huo Dan Ge sent Lu Yuan, who has mid‑Golden Core cultivation, to fight.

Although many thought Lei Huo Dan Ge might avoid this challenge, Lu Yuan bravely took his place on the battlefield.

Facing the disciples of the Puppet Sect and the powerful puppets they controlled, Lu Yuan showed no fear.

He gripped tightly the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword in his hand, which crackled with lightning and flame, and fixed his gaze firmly on his opponent across the field.

"Today, I challenge you on behalf of Lei Huo Dan Ge!" he said, his voice steady and confident.

The Puppet Sect disciples exchanged a series of astonished glances, never expecting Lei Huo Dan Ge to dare take the initiative.

They had heard that Lei Huo Dan Ge enjoyed an outstanding reputation and great strength in the Xiuzhen Jie of the Southern Continent, but it had always been known for a defensive stance.

"Looks like this young man really has some guts."

The leader of the Puppet Sect clicked his tongue in amazement.

The atmosphere of the battle between the two sides grew tense.

Lu Yuan took a deep breath, mobilized his immortal power, formed a blue energy shield within his body, enveloping himself completely. (End of chapter)