Chapter 545: Forceful Probing, Shocking Strength

"Indeed, Sect Leader," the third Elder also spoke up, "I have heard news from Leiyin Temple claiming that the reformist faction has secret ties with the demonic path. Although Abbot Huikong maintains neutrality on the surface, his private attitude toward the reformist faction is quite intriguing."

Liuyunzi fell into deep thought. Although these reports sounded somewhat bizarre, the sources seemed quite reliable, leaving him no choice but to reconsider his previous decision.

Similar situations were playing out in other sects that supported the reforms. Once-firm supporters began to waver, while some indecisive sects leaned completely toward the traditional forces.

But Lin Xuan and his two companions were not ordinary people; they quickly sensed the anomaly.

In a conference room of the Star Moon Sect, Shi Lei was reporting the recent situation to Lin Xuan.

"Senior Brother, this is already the third time," Shi Lei said, his face showing clear anger, "We always encounter 'accidents' when carrying out liaison missions. On the way to the Green Water Gate last time, a group of masked attackers suddenly appeared. Although we all returned safely, this is definitely not a coincidence."

Lin Xuan listened carefully to Shi Lei's report, his brows furrowing tighter: "Did you notice any characteristics of these attackers? What was their cultivation level? What techniques did they use?"

"Their cultivation was not weak, at least Foundation Establishment Late Stage or above, and they were well-coordinated, clearly having undergone specialized training," Shi Lei recalled, "The strangest thing is, they clearly had the opportunity to severely injure us, but each time they stopped at the limit, more like a warning."

"It seems someone wants to pressure us in this way," Lin Xuan analyzed, "Their goal is not to kill us, but to make us retreat in the face of difficulties."

Just then, a Sound Transmission Talisman lit up, and Xiao Yuan's voice came through: "Senior Brother Lin, I have a situation on my end as well. Some suspicious individuals have appeared near Wangling Ta; they seem to be monitoring activities inside the tower. Although they were hidden well, I still discovered them."

"What kind of people?" Lin Xuan responded immediately.

"Judging by their cultivation and aura, they should be disciples of righteous sects, and their strength is not low. More importantly, among the various sect disciples who have come to Wangling Ta for exchanges recently, some are secretly spreading information unfavorable to us," Xiao Yuan's voice carried clear worry.

Immediately after, Muerxiu's transmission also arrived: "The two of you, my Void perception has detected abnormal spatial fluctuations. Someone is using high-level Yinnishu to move around us, and in more than one place. It seems we have been targeted."

After a brief consultation via the Sound Transmission Talisman, the three decided to meet secretly at the Star Moon Sect immediately.

In the dead of night, the three gathered in a hidden cave behind the Star Moon Sect.

"It seems we all underestimated the traditional forces' determination to strike back," Lin Xuan began, "They are no longer satisfied with public debates and political pressure; they have started using more insidious methods."

Xiao Yuan nodded in agreement: "From the current situation, they have adopted at least three strategies: infiltration, economic blockade, and smear campaigns. Each one is very difficult to deal with."

"The most troublesome part is that these methods are very covert, and it is difficult for us to find direct evidence," Muerxiu frowned, "Even if we know they are the ones behind it, we cannot publicly accuse them."

Lin Xuan pondered for a moment, then said: "Since they want to play dirty, we cannot just sit and wait for death. Shi Lei, notify our supporters immediately and tell them to increase their vigilance, especially to guard against internal division activities."

"Xiao Yuan, you need to strengthen the protection of Wangling Ta on your end, and at the same time, conduct stricter screening of visiting disciples."

"Muerxiu, your Void sound transmission array needs to add encryption functions to prevent interception or interference. At the same time, we need to establish our own intelligence network."

"More importantly," a flash of determination crossed Lin Xuan's eyes, "we must take proactive measures before they take further action. Since the superficial ideological dispute has evolved into a covert intelligence war and psychological war, we must prove our strength on this new battlefield."

On a dark and windy night, the mountain-protecting array of the Qingfeng Sect suddenly shook violently.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" The exclamation of the on-duty disciple pierced the tranquility of the night sky.

Although the Qingfeng Sect was only a medium-sized sect, its mountain-protecting array was not something that could be shaken easily. To be able to cause such an impact on the array in an instant, the strength of the arrivals was definitely not to be underestimated.

Sect Leader Qingfengzi was startled out of his meditation and quickly arrived at the plaza in front of the mountain gate. He saw more than a dozen black shadows lurking outside the mountain-protecting array, each figure exuding powerful spiritual power fluctuations.

"What kind of monsters dare to raid my Qingfeng Sect at night!" Qingfengzi shouted angrily, while secretly estimating the strength of the opponents.

The leading black shadow sneered, their voice sounding hoarse and indistinguishable after special processing: "Qingfengzi, your Qingfeng Sect's recent choices have been very unwise."

"What do you mean?" Qingfengzi's heart sank, and he vaguely guessed the purpose of the arrivals.

"Supporting that so-called reformist alliance requires bearing the corresponding consequences," another black shadow said grimly, "We came here tonight just to remind the Qingfeng Sect Sect Leader that some paths, if taken wrongly, require paying a price."

Qingfengzi's face turned livid. As a Sect Leader, he would certainly not be intimidated by such threats, but reason told him that the strength of these attackers far exceeded the Qingfeng Sect's ability to withstand.

A dozen Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators—such a lineup was enough to sweep through any small or medium-sized sect. More importantly, judging from their organized actions, there must be a large sect supporting them from behind.

"Who exactly are you people? If you have the guts, state your names!" Qingfengzi said, putting up a brave front.

"Who we are is not important; what is important is the Qingfeng Sect's next choice," the leading black shadow raised their hand, a terrifying sword Qi condensing in their palm, "Giving you one chance: announce your withdrawal from the reformist alliance immediately, otherwise..."

Before the words were finished, that mass of sword Qi suddenly erupted, directly shattering a node of the mountain-protecting array. The entire array instantly teetered, on the verge of complete collapse at any moment.

The disciples of the Qingfeng Sect all showed expressions of fear. The mountain-protecting array was their last barrier; once this protection was lost, facing such powerful enemies, the Qingfeng Sect would have no power to fight back.

Qingfengzi gritted his teeth, his heart undergoing a fierce struggle. As Sect Leader, he had to be responsible for the safety of the entire sect. But if he retreated under such threats, the reputation of the reformist alliance would be severely damaged, and other supporters would also waver.

Just as he was hesitating, a clear voice suddenly came from the sky:

"Sect Leader Qingfeng, I have arrived late!"

A streak of cyan light flew rapidly from afar and landed instantly in front of the Qingfeng Sect's mountain gate. The person who arrived was none other than Lin Xuan, who had rushed over after receiving the request for help.