Chapter 549: Luring the Enemy Deep, the First Battle is a Success

"But Senior Brother Lin, the disparity in our strength..." an Elder said worriedly.

"Strength is certainly important, but what is more important are our principles and convictions," Lin Xuan interrupted him, "We must immediately convene an emergency alliance meeting to discuss countermeasures."

That evening, the emergency meeting of the Reform Alliance was held at the Star Moon Sect. Through Muerxiu's Void sound-transmission array, alliance members from all over participated in the discussion.

"Fellow Daoists, everyone is already aware of the Righteous Alliance's ultimatum," Lin Xuan said, getting straight to the point, "Now we must make a choice: compromise and retreat, or persist to the end?"

"Persist to the end!" Qingfengzi was the first to state his position, "Since the Qingfeng Sect has chosen the path of reform, we will never retreat because of threats."

"The Clear Water Sect is the same," Shuiyun Xianzi's voice came through the sound-transmission array, "We female cultivators have long been suppressed by traditional forces; this time, we must absolutely not compromise again."

"The Thousand Leaf Sect firmly supports the Alliance!"

"The Liuyun Sect will never back down!"

One after another, the declarations of support came in, and the determination of the alliance members made Lin Xuan feel deeply gratified. But he also knew that determination alone was not enough; a concrete plan of action was also needed.

Yunyou Zhenren's voice came through the sound-transmission array: "Little Friend Lin, although this old Daoist has been in seclusion for many years, in the face of such threats, I will certainly not stand idly by. I am willing to pass on my life's learning to the alliance disciples to help everyone improve their strength."

This news made everyone feel invigorated. Yunyou Zhenren's cultivation and insight were renowned throughout the Cultivation World; with his guidance, the overall strength of the alliance would surely increase significantly.

After intense discussion, the alliance finally reached a unanimous resolution:

First, firmly reject the Righteous Alliance's threats and formally reply to state our position;

Second, prepare for war in all aspects, with disciples of each sect intensifying their cultivation and stockpiling supplies;

Third, strive for the support of more neutral sects to expand the alliance's influence;

Fourth, have seniors like Yunyou Zhenren teach advanced techniques to improve overall strength.

After the meeting ended, Lin Xuan personally wrote the reply:

"To the Sect Leaders of the Righteous Alliance:

Your alliance's letter has been received. Since the establishment of the Reform Alliance, we have always held 'Harmonious Symbiosis' as our philosophy, committed to promoting the progress and development of the Cultivation World. How can there be any talk of disrupting stability?

The traditions of the Cultivation World are indeed valuable, but tradition should not become a shackle that hinders progress. What we pursue is innovation within heritage and development through reform, creating a fairer environment for all cultivators.

Your alliance styles itself as the 'Righteous Path' yet acts with tyranny, not only threatening dissenters but also demanding that neutrals take sides. May I ask, should the true Righteous Path be inclusive or exclusionary? Should it be dialogue or threats?

The Reform Alliance will never change its original intention because of threats. Our goal is construction, not destruction; unity, not division; progress, not regression.

If your alliance insists on resorting to force, the Reform Alliance, while unwilling to see weapons clash, will never allow itself to be slaughtered. With justice on our side, why fear a battle?

Respectfully replied by Lin Xuan, Leader of the Reform Alliance, and all its members."

After the reply was sent, the entire Cultivation World was shaken. Many had originally thought that in the face of the Eight Great Sects' threats, the Reform Alliance would choose to compromise; they did not expect them to reject the ultimatum so forcefully.

The Righteous Alliance's hardline stance did indeed have some effect, and some small sects that had originally leaned toward reform began to waver. But more sects felt repulsed by the Righteous Alliance's tyrannical behavior.

Wujizi, Sect Leader of the Wuji Sect, said indignantly at a sect meeting: "What is the meaning of this from Yunxiaozi and the others? Is it that the Cultivation World can only have their one voice? Is even remaining neutral not allowed?"

"It is indeed excessive," an Elder echoed, "Although the Reform Alliance is a bit radical, their philosophy is not entirely without reason. This one-size-fits-all approach by the Righteous Alliance instead makes people suspicious of their motives."

Similar discussions unfolded across the Cultivation World; the Righteous Alliance had intended to use threats to intimidate their opponents, but instead, they incited more resentment.

Meanwhile, both sides began tense preparations for war.

Within the Heavenly Sword Sect, Yunxiaozi was deploying troops: "Pass down the order: summon all disciples in the sect at or above the Golden Core Stage, and prepare to engage at any time. At the same time, contact the other seven great sects to formulate a detailed battle plan."

And on the Reform Alliance's side, various war preparations were also being carried out in full swing.

Yunyou Zhenren opened a temporary lecture hall in the back mountain of the Star Moon Sect, personally teaching some long-lost advanced techniques: "Little friends, this 'Hunyuan Wuji Technique' was something I obtained by chance in my youth. I pass it on to you today, hoping it can be of use at a critical moment."

Xiao Yuan organized young disciples from various sects at the Wangling Ta for psychological preparation: "Everyone must remember, we are not fighting for the sake of war, but struggling for our ideals. Only with a firm heart can one display true strength on the battlefield."

Muerxiu was busy perfecting the functions of the Void sound-transmission array to provide communication security for the coming war: "This newly added shielding function can prevent the enemy from intercepting our communications, which will surely play an important role during wartime."

Once the seven-day deadline passed, the Righteous Alliance immediately launched their action.

Inside the council hall of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Yunxiaozi was deploying the battle plan: "Everyone, since the Reform Alliance is obsessed and refuses to repent, let us use concrete actions to make them understand what absolute power is."

He pointed to a location on the map: "The first target is the Clear Water Sect. This sect's strength is relatively weak, and it is located in a remote area, making it difficult to receive timely support from other sects. Taking down the Clear Water Sect will not only severely damage the Reform Alliance's morale but also demonstrate our determination to other sects."

"The Sect Leader is wise," Jian Wuhen offered his strategy, "Although the Clear Water Sect has joined the Reform Alliance, it is, after all, a sect of female cultivators with limited combat power. With our strength, it is enough to completely crush them in a short time."

Yunxiaozi nodded in agreement: "This operation will be led by Elder Qinghong, Elder Bixia, and Elder Ziyun, leading fifty elite disciples. Remember, strike fast and strike hard, so that the entire Cultivation World sees the fate of resisting the Righteous Alliance."

The three Golden Core Stage Elders replied in unison: "As you command!"

Two days later, the Heavenly Sword Sect's attack force marched majestically toward the Clear Water Sect. Elder Qinghong rode a giant Sword Vulture to lead the way in the air, while Elder Bixia and Elder Ziyun led the left and right flanks respectively, with fifty elite Foundation Establishment Stage disciples following closely behind.

The entire formation was orderly, with sword light flickering, and the momentum was extremely spectacular. Cultivators along the way saw such a lineup and retreated one after another, fearing to invite trouble.

"Senior Brother, this operation should be very easy, right?" a young disciple asked the Senior Brother beside him.

"Of course," that Senior Brother replied confidently.